0.0 – Christian Science Mary Baker Eddy’s Other Writings Prose Works Manual – Subtitles

  	        OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN 

 1	    GIGANTIC sire, unfallen still thy
  	        crest! 
 3	    Primeval dweller where the wild
  	        winds rest,
  	    Beyond the ken of mortal e'er to tell
 6	    What power sustains thee in thy rock-bo...und
  	        cell. 

  	    Or if, when first creation vast began,
 9	    And far the universal fiat ran,
  	    "Let there be light" — from chaos dark set
  	        free,
12	    Ye rose, a monument of Deity,

  	    Proud from yon cloud-crowned height to
  	        look henceforth
15	    On insignificance that peoples earth,
  	    Recalling oft the bitter draft which turns
  	    The mind to meditate on what it learns. 
 
2              Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    Stern, passionless, no soul those looks betray;
  	    Though kindred rocks, to sport at mortal
 3	        clay — 
  	    Much as the chisel of the sculptor's art
  	    "Plays round the head, but comes not to
 6	        the heart." 

  	    Ah, who can fathom thee! Ambitious man,
  	    Like a trained falcon in the Gallic van,
 9	    Guided and led, can never reach to thee
  	    With all the strength of weakness — vanity! 

  	    Great as thou art, and paralleled by none,
12	    Admired by all, still art thou drear and lone! 
  	    The moon looks down upon thine exiled
  	        height;
15	    The stars, so cold, so glitteringly bright,

  	    On wings of morning gladly flit away,
  	    Yield to the sun's more genial, mighty ray;
18	    The white waves kiss the murmuring rill — 
  	    But thy deep silence is unbroken still. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

	               CONSTANCY 

 1	    WHEN starlight blends with morn-
  	        ing's hue,
 3	    I miss thee as the flower the dew! 
  	    When noonday's length'ning shad-
  	        ows flee,
 6	    I think of the...e, I think of thee! 

  	    With evening, memories reappear — 
  	    I watch thy chair, and wish thee here;
 9	    Till sleep sets drooping fancy free
  	    To dream of thee, to dream of thee! 

  	    Since first we met, in weal or woe
12	    It hath been thus; and must be so
  	    Till bursting bonds our spirits part
  	    And Love divine doth fill my heart. 

15	      Written many years ago. 

4              Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


  	   MOTHER'S EVENING PRAYER 

 1	    O GENTLE presence, peace and joy
  	        and power;
 3	      O Life divine, that owns each
  	        waiting hour,
  	    Thou Love that guards the nestling's falter...-
 6	        ing flight! 
  	      Keep Thou my child on upward wing
  	        tonight. 

 9	    Love is our refuge; only with mine eye
  	      Can I behold the snare, the pit, the fall:
  	    His habitation high is here, and nigh,
12	      His arm encircles me, and mine, and all. 

  	    O make me glad for every scalding tear,
  	      For hope deferred, ingratitude, disdain! 
15	    Wait, and love more for every hate, and fear
  	      No ill, — since God is good, and loss is gain. 

  	    Beneath the shadow of His mighty wing;
18	      In that sweet secret of the narrow way,
  	    Seeking and finding, with the angels sing:
  	      "Lo, I am with you alway," — watch and
21	        pray. 

 
                  Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                   5


 1	    No snare, no fowler, pestilence or pain;
  	      No night drops down upon the troubled
 3	        breast,
  	    When heaven's aftersmile earth's tear-drops
  	        gain,
 6	      And mother finds her home and heav'nly
  	        rest. 

6              Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                       LOVE 

 1	    BROOD o'er us with Thy shelt'ring
  	        wing,
 3	      'Neath which our spirits blend
  	    Like brother birds, that soar and
  	        sing,
 6	      And on the ...same branch bend. 
  	    The arrow that doth wound the dove
  	    Darts not from those who watch and love. 

 9	    If thou the bending reed wouldst break
  	      By thought or word unkind,
  	    Pray that his spirit you partake,
12	      Who loved and healed mankind:
  	    Seek holy thoughts and heavenly strain,
  	    That make men one in love remain. 

15	    Learn, too, that wisdom's rod is given
  	      For faith to kiss, and know;
  	    That greetings glorious from high heaven,
18	      Whence joys supernal flow,
  	    Come from that Love, divinely near,
  	    Which chastens pride and earth-born fear,

 
                          Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                    7


 1	    Through God, who gave that word of might
  	      Which swelled creation's lay:
 3	    "Let there be light, and there was light." 
  	      What chased the clouds away? 
  	    'Twas Love whose finger traced aloud
 6	    A bow of promise on the cloud. 

  	    Thou to whose power our hope we give,
  	      Free us from human strife. 
 9	    Fed by Thy love divine we live,
  	      For Love alone is Life;
  	    And life most sweet, as heart to heart
12	    Speaks kindly when we meet and part. 

8              Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	            I'M SITTING ALONE 

 1	    I'M sitting alone where the shadows
  	        fall
 3	    In somber groups at the vesper-call,
  	    Where tear-dews of night seek the
  	        loving rose,
 6	   ... Her bosom to fill with mortal woes. 

  	    I'm waiting alone for the bridal hour
  	    Of nymph and naiad from woodland bower;
 9	    Till vestal pearls that on leaflets lay,
  	    Ravished with beauty the eye of day. 

  	    I'm watching alone o'er the starlit glow,
12	    O'er the silv'ry moon and ocean flow;
  	    And sketching in light the heaven of my
  	        youth — 
15	    Its starry hopes and its waves of truth. 

  	    I'm dreaming alone of its changeful sky — 
  	    What rainbows of rapture floated by! 
18	    Of a mother's love, that no words could speak
  	    When parting the ringlets to kiss my cheek. 

  	    I'm thinking alone of a fair young bride,
21	    The light of a home of love and pride;  
                             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  9




 1	    How the glance of her husband's watchful eye
  	    Turned to his star of idolatry. 

 3	    I'm picturing alone a glad young face,
  	    Upturned to his mother's in playful grace;
  	    And the unsealed fountains of grief and joy
 6	    That gushed at the birth of that beautiful
  	        boy. 

  	    I'm weeping alone that the vision is fled,
 9	    The leaves all faded, the fruitage shed,
  	    And wishing this earth more gifts from above,
  	    Our reason made right and hearts all love. 

12	      Lynn, Mass., September 3, 1866. 

10             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	   THE UNITED STATES TO
  	           GREAT BRITAIN 

 1	    HAIL, brother! fling thy banner
  	      To the billows and the breeze;
 3	    We proffer thee warm welcome
  	      With our hand, though not
  ...	        our knees. 

 6	    Lord of the main and manor! 
  	      Thy palm, in ancient day,
  	    Didst rock the country's cradle
 9	      That wakes thy laureate's lay. 

  	    The hoar fight is forgotten;
  	      Our eagle, like the dove,
12	    Returns to bless a bridal
  	      Betokened from above. 

  	    List, brother! angels whisper
15	      To Judah's sceptered race, — 
  	    "Thou of the self-same spirit,
  	      Allied by nations' grace,

18	    "Wouldst cheer the hosts of heaven;
  	      For Anglo-Israel, lo! 
  	    Is marching under orders;
21	      His hand averts the blow." 
 
                  Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  11




 1	    Brave Britain, blest America! 
  	      Unite your battle-plan;
 3	    Victorious, all who live it, — 
  	      The love for God and man. 

  	      Boston Herald, Sunday, May 15, 1898. 

12             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	            CHRIST MY REFUGE 

 1	    O'ER waiting harpstrings of the mind
  	        There sweeps a strain,
 3	    Low, sad, and sweet, whose meas-
  	          ures bind
  	        The power of pain,

 6	...    And wake a white-winged angel throng
  	        Of thoughts, illumed
  	    By faith, and breathed in raptured song,
 9	        With love perfumed. 

  	    Then His unveiled, sweet mercies show
  	        Life's burdens light. 
12	    I kiss the cross, and wake to know
  	        A world more bright. 

  	    And o'er earth's troubled, angry sea
15	        I see Christ walk,
  	    And come to me, and tenderly,
  	        Divinely talk. 

18	    Thus Truth engrounds me on the rock,
  	        Upon Life's shore,
  	    'Gainst which the winds and waves can
21	          shock,
  	        Oh, nevermore! 
 
                         Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  13




 1	    From tired joy and grief afar,
  	        And nearer Thee, — 
 3	    Father, where Thine own children are,
  	        I love to be. 

  	    My prayer, some daily good to do
 6	        To Thine, for Thee;
  	    An offering pure of Love, whereto
  	        God leadeth me. 

14             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


  	        "FEED MY SHEEP" 

 1	    SHEPHERD, show me how to go
  	      O'er the hillside steep,
 3	    How to gather, how to sow, — 
  	      How to feed Thy sheep;
  	    I will listen for Thy voice,
 6	...      Lest my footsteps stray;
  	    I will follow and rejoice
  	      All the rugged way. 

 9	    Thou wilt bind the stubborn will,
  	      Wound the callous breast,
  	    Make self-righteousness be still,
12	      Break earth's stupid rest. 
  	    Strangers on a barren shore,
  	      Lab'ring long and lone,
15	    We would enter by the door,
  	      And Thou know'st Thine own;

  	    So, when day grows dark and cold,
18	      Tear or triumph harms,
  	    Lead Thy lambkins to the fold,
  	      Take them in Thine arms;
21	    Feed the hungry, heal the heart,
  	      Till the morning's beam;
  	    White as wool, ere they depart,
24	      Shepherd, wash them clean. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	         THE VALLEY CEMETERY 

 1	    YE soft sighing zephyrs through foli-
  	        age and vine! 
 3	    Ye echoing moans from the foot-
  	        steps of time! 
  	    Break not on the silence, unless thou ...canst
 6	        bear
  	    A message from heaven — "No partings are
  	        there." 

 9	    Here gloom hath enchantment in beauty's
  	        array,
  	    And whispering voices are calling away — 
12	    Their wooings are soft as the vision more
  	        vain — 
  	    I would live in their empire, or die in their
15	        chain. 

  	    Here smileth the blossom and sunshine not
  	        dead — 
18	    Flowers fresh as the pang in the bosom that
  	        bled, — 
  	    Yes, constant as love that outliveth the
21	        grave,
  	    And time cannot quench in oblivion's wave. 
 
16             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy



 1	    And thou, gentle cypress, in evergreen tears,
  	    Art constant and hopeful though winter
 3	        appears. 
  	    My heart hath thy verdure, it blossoms
  	        above;
 6	    Like thee, it endureth and liveth in love. 

  	    Ambition, come hither! These vaults will
  	        unfold
 9	    The sequel of power, of glory, or gold;
  	    Then rush into life, and roll on with its tide,
  	    And bustle and toil for its pomp and its pride. 

12	    The tired wings flitting through far crimson
  	        glow,
  	    Which steepeth the trees when the day-god
15	        is low;
  	    The voice of the night-bird must here send a
  	        thrill
18	    To the heart of the leaves when the winds
  	        are all still. 

  	    'Mid graves do I hear the glad voices that
21	        swell,
  	    And call to my spirit with seraphs to dwell;
  	    They come with a breath from the verdant
24	        springtime,
  	    And waken my joy, as in earliest prime. 
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  17

 1	    Blest beings departed! Ye echoes at dawn! 
  	    O tell of their radiant home and its morn! 
 3	    Then I'll think of its glory, and rest till I see
  	    My loved ones in glory still waiting for me. 

18             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                        UPWARD 

 1	    I'VE watched in the azure the eagle's
  	        proud wing,
 3	    His soaring majestic, and feather-
  	        some fling — 
  	    Careening in liberty higher a...nd higher — 
 6	    Like genius unfolding a quenchless desire. 

  	    Would a tear dim his eye, or pinion lose
  	        power
 9	    To gaze on the lark in her emerald bower? 
  	    When higher he soareth to compass his rest,
  	    What vision so bright as the dream in his
12	        breast! 

  	    God's eye is upon him. He penciled his
  	        path
15	    Whose omniscient notice the frail fledgling
  	        hath. 
  	    Though lightnings be lurid and earthquakes
18	        may shock,
  	    He r ides on the whirlwind or rests on the
  	        rock. 
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  19

 1	    My course, like the eagle's, oh, still be it high,
  	    Celestial the breezes that waft o'er its sky! 
 3	    God's eye is upon me — I am not alone
  	    When onward and upward and heavenward
  	        borne. 

 6	      Written in early years. 

20             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	      THE OAK ON THE MOUNTAIN'S
  	                          SUMMIT 

 1	    OH, mountain monarch, at whose
  	        feet I stand, — 
 3	    Clouds to adorn thy brow, skies
  	        clasp thy hand, �...� 
  	    Nature divine, in harmony profound,
 6	    With peaceful presence hath begirt thee
  	        round. 

  	    And thou, majestic oak, from yon high place
 9	    Guard'st thou the earth, asleep in night's
  	        embrace, — 
  	    And from thy lofty summit, pouring down
12	    Thy sheltering shade, her noonday glories
  	        crown? 

  	    Whate'er thy mission, mountain sentinel,
15	    To my lone heart thou art a power and spell;
  	    A lesson grave, of life, that teacheth me
  	    To love the Hebrew figure of a tree. 

18	    Faithful and patient be my life as thine;
  	    As strong to wrestle with the storms of time;
  	    As deeply rooted in a soil of love;
21	    As grandly rising to the heavens above. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	               WOMAN'S RIGHTS 

 1	    GRAVE on her monumental pile:
  	    She won from vice, by virtue's
 3	       smile,
  	    Her dazzling crown, her sceptered
  	       throne,
 6	    Affection's wreath, a ...happy home;

  	    The right to worship deep and pure,
  	    To bless the orphan, feed the poor;
 9	    Last at the cross to mourn her Lord,
  	    First at the tomb to hear his word:

  	    To fold an angel's wings below;
12	    And hover o'er the couch of woe;
  	    To nurse the Bethlehem babe so sweet,
  	    The right to sit at Jesus' feet;

15	    To form the bud for bursting bloom,
  	    The hoary head with joy to crown;
  	    In short, the right to work and pray,
18	    "To point to heaven and lead the way." 

  	      Lynn, Mass., May 6, 1876. 

22             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	            THE NEW CENTURY 

 1	    THOU God-crowned, patient century,
  	    Thine hour hath come! Eternity
 3	    Draws nigh — and, beckoning from
  	        above,
  	    One hundred years, aflame wit...h Love,
 6	    Again shall bid old earth good-by — 
  	    And, lo, the light! far heaven is nigh! 
  	    New themes seraphic, Life divine,
 9	    And bliss that wipes the tears of time
  	    Away, will enter, when they may,
  	    And bask in one eternal day. 

12	    'Tis writ on earth, on leaf and flower:
  	    Love hath one race, one realm, one power. 
  	    Dear God! how great, how good Thou art
15	    To heal humanity's sore heart;
  	    To probe the wound, then pour the balm — 
  	    A life perfected, strong and calm. 
18	    The dark domain of pain and sin
  	    Surrenders — Love doth enter in,
  	    And peace is won, and lost is vice:
21	    Right reigns, and blood was not its price. 

  	      Pleasant View, Concord, N. H., January, 1901. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	      TO MY ABSENT BROTHER 

 1	    DWELLS there a shadow on thy
  	        brow — 
 3	      A look that years impart? 
  	    Does there a thought of van-
  	        ished hours
 6	      Come ever o'er thy hea...rt? 

  	    Or give those earnest eyes yet back
  	      An image of the soul,
 9	    Mirrored in truth, in light and joy,
  	      Above the world's control? 

  	    So may their gaze be ever fraught
12	      With utterance deep and strong,
  	    Yielding a holy strength to right,
  	      A stern rebuke to wrong! 

15	    Thy soul, upborne on wisdom's wings,
  	      In brighter morn will find
  	    Life hath a higher recompense
18	      Than just to please mankind. 

  	    Supreme and omnipresent God,
  	      Guide him in wisdom's way! 
21	    Give peaceful triumph to the truth,
  	      Bid error melt away! 

  	      Lynn, Mass., November 8, 1866. 

24             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	       SIGNS OF THE HEART 

 1	    COME to me, joys of heaven! 
  	      Breathe through the summer air
 3	    A balm — the long-lost leaven
  	      Dissolving death, despair! 
  	        O little heart,...
 6	        To me thou art
  	    A sign that never can depart. 

  	    Come to me, peace on earth! 
 9	      From out life's billowy sea, — 
  	    A wave of welcome birth, — 
  	      The Life that lives in Thee! 
12	        O Love divine,
  	        This heart of Thine
  	    Is all I need to comfort mine. 

15	    Come when the shadows fall,
  	      And night grows deeply dark;
  	    The barren brood, O call
18	      With song of morning lark;
  	        And from above,
  	        Dear heart of Love,
21	    Send us thy white-winged dove. 

  	      Pleasant View, Concord, N. H., 1899. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                FLOWERS 

 1	    MIRRORS of morn
  	    Whence the dewdrop is born,
 3	    Soft tints of the rainbow and
  	      skies — 
  	    Sisters of song,
 6	    What a shadowy throng
  	    Around you... in memory rise! 

  	    Far do ye flee,
 9	    From your green bowers free,
  	    Fair floral apostles of love,
  	    Sweetly to shed
12	    Fragrance fresh round the dead,
  	    And breath of the living above. 

  	    Flowers for the brave — 
15	    Be he monarch or slave,
  	    Whose heart bore its grief and is still! 
  	    Flowers for the kind — 
18	    Aye, the Christians who wind
  	    Wreaths for the triumphs o'er ill! 

  	      Pleasant View, Concord, N. H., May 21, 1904. 

26             Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	         TO THE OLD YEAR — 1865 

 1	    PASS on, returnless year! 
  	        The track behind thee is with
 3	          glory crowned;
  	    The turf where thou hast trod is
  	          holy ground. 
... 6	        Pass proudly to thy bier! 

  	        Chill was thy midnight day,
  	    While Justice grasped the sword to hold her
 9	          throne,
  	    And on her altar our loved Lincoln's own
  	        Great willing heart did lay. 

12	        Thy purpose hath been won! 
  	    Thou point'st thy phantom finger, grim and
  	          cold,
15	    To the dark record of our guilt unrolled,
  	        And smiling, say'st, " 'Tis done! 

  	        "This record I will bear
18	    To the dim chambers of eternity — 
  	    The chain and charter I have lived to see
  	        Purged by the cannon's prayer;
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  27



 1	        "Convulsion, carnage, war;
  	    The pomp and tinsel of unrighteous power;
 3	    Bloated oppression in its awful hour, — 
  	        I, dying, dare abhor!" 

  	        One word, receding year,
 6	    Ere thou grow tremulous with shadowy
  	          night! 
  	    Say, will the young year dawn with wisdom's
 9	          light
  	        To brighten o'er thy bier? 

  	        Or we the past forget,
12	    And heal her wounds too tenderly to last? 
  	    Or let today grow difficult and vast
  	        With traitors unvoiced yet? 

15	        Though thou must leave the tear, — 
  	    Hearts bleeding ere they break in silence yet,
  	    Wrong jubilant and right with bright eye
18	          wet, — 
  	        Thou fast expiring year,

  	        Thy work is done, and well:
21	    Thou hast borne burdens, and may take thy
  	          rest,
  	    Pillow thy head on time's untired breast. 
24	        Illustrious year, farewell! 

  	      Lynn, Mass., January 1, 1866. 

28            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	      INVOCATION FOR 1868 

 1	    FATHER of every age,
  	      Of every rolling sphere,
 3	    Help us to write a death-
  	        less page
  	    Of truth, this dawning year! 

 6	    Help us to humbly ...bow
  	      To Thy all-wise behest — 
  	    Whate'er the gift of joy or woe,
 9	      Knowing Thou, knowest best. 

  	    Aid our poor soul to sing
  	      Above the tempest's glee;
12	    Give us the eagle's fearless wing,
  	      The dove's to soar to Thee! 

  	    All-merciful and good,
15	      Hover the homeless heart! 
  	    Give us this day our daily food
  	      In knowing what Thou art! 

18	      Swampscott, Mass., January 1, 1868. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	            CHRISTMAS MORN 

 1	    BLEST Christmas morn, though
  	          murky clouds
 3	        Pursue thy way,
  	    Thy light was born where storm
  	          enshrouds
 6	        Nor dawn nor day! 

...  	    Dear Christ, forever here and near,
  	        No cradle song,
 9	    No natal hour and mother's tear,
  	        To thee belong. 

  	    Thou God-idea, Life-encrowned,
12	        The Bethlehem babe — 
  	    Beloved, replete, by flesh embound — 
  	        Was but thy shade! 

15	    Thou gentle beam of living Love,
  	        And deathless Life! 
  	    Truth infinite, — so far above
18	        All mortal strife,

  	    Or cruel creed, or earth-born taint:
  	        Fill us today
21	    With all thou art — be thou our saint,
  	        Our stay, alway. 

  	      December, 1898. 

30            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                 EASTER MORN 

 1	    GENTLY thou beckonest from the
  	        giant hills
 3	      The new-born beauty in the emer-
  	        ald sky,
  	    And wakening murmurs from the drowsy
 6	      ...  rills — 
  	      O gladsome dayspring! 'reft of mortal sigh
  	    To glorify all time — eternity — 
 9	    With thy still fathomless Christ-majesty. 

  	    E'en as Thou gildest gladdened joy, dear
  	        God,
12	      Give risen power to prayer; fan Thou the
  	        flame
  	    Of right with might; and midst the rod,
15	      And stern, dark shadows cast on Thy blest
  	        name,
  	    Lift Thou a patient love above earth's ire,
18	    Piercing the clouds with its triumphal spire. 

  	    While sacred song and loudest breath of
  	        praise
21	      Echo amid the hymning spheres of light, — 
  	    With heaven's lyres and angels' loving lays, — 
  
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  31


 1	      Send to the loyal struggler for the right,
  	    Joy — not of time, nor yet by nature sown,
 3	    But the celestial seed dropped from Love's
  	        throne. 

  	    Prolong the strain "Christ risen!" Sad sense,
 6	        annoy
  	      No more the peace of Soul's sweet solitude! 
  	    Deep loneness, tear-filled tones of distant joy,
 9	      Depart! Glad Easter glows with grati-
  	        tude — 
  	    Love's verdure veils the leaflet's wondrous
12	        birth — 
  	    Rich rays, rare footprints on the dust of earth. 

  	    Not life, the vassal of the changeful hour,
15	      Nor burdened bliss, but Truth and Love
  	        attest
  	    The solemn splendor of immortal power, — 
18	      The ever Christ, and glorified behest,
  	    Poured on the sense which deems no suffering
  	        vain
21	    That wipes away the sting of death — sin,
  	        pain. 

  	      Pleasant View, Concord, N. H., April 18, 1900. 

32            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	       RESOLUTIONS FOR THE DAY 

 1	    TO rise in the morning and drink in
  	        the view — 
 3	      The home where I dwell in the
  	        vale,
  	    The blossoms whose fragrance and charms
 6	...        ever new
  	      Are scattered o'er hillside and dale;

  	    To gaze on the sunbeams enkindling the
 9	        sky — 
  	      A loftier life to invite — 
  	    A light that illumines my spiritual eye,
12	      And inspires my pen as I write;

  	    To form resolutions, with strength from on
  	        high,
15	      Such physical laws to obey,
  	    As reason with appetite, pleasures deny,
  	      That health may my efforts repay;

18	    To kneel at the altar of mercy and pray
  	      That pardon and grace, through His Son,
  	    May comfort my soul all the wearisome day,
21	      And cheer me with hope when 'tis done;
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  33


 1	    To daily remember my blessings and charge,
  	      And make this my humble request:
 3	    Increase Thou my faith and my vision
  	        enlarge,
  	      And bless me with Christ's promised rest;

 6	    To hourly seek for deliverance strong
  	      From selfishness, sinfulness, dearth,
  	    From vanity, folly, and all that is wrong — 
 9	      With ambition that binds us to earth;

  	    To kindly pass over a wound, or a foe
  	      (And mem'ry but part us awhile),
12	    To breathe forth a prayer that His love I
  	        may know,
  	      Whose mercies my sorrows beguile, — 

15	    If these resolutions are acted up to,
  	      And faith spreads her pinions abroad,
  	    'Twill be sweet when I ponder the days may
18	        be few
  	      That waft me away to my God. 

  	      Written in girlhood. 

34            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	       O FOR THY WINGS, SWEET BIRD! 

 1	    O FOR thy wings, sweet bird! 
  	      And soul of melody by being
 3	        blest — 
  	    Like thee, my voice had stirred
  	      Some dear remembrance in ...a weary breast. 

 6	    But whither wouldst thou rove,
  	      Bird of the airy wing, and fold thy plumes? 
  	    In what dark leafy grove
 9	      Wouldst chant thy vespers 'mid rich
  	        glooms? 

  	        Or sing thy love-lorn note — 
12	      In deeper solitude, where nymph or saint
  	    Has wooed some mystic spot,
  	      Divinely desolate the shrine to paint? 

15	    Yet wherefore ask thy doom? 
  	      Blessed compared with me thou art — 
  	    Unto thy greenwood home
18	      Bearing no bitter memory at heart;
  	    Wearing no earthly chain,
  	      Thou canst in azure bright soar far above;
21	    Nor pinest thou in vain
  	      O'er joys departed, unforgotten love. 
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  35


 1	    O take me to thy bower! 
  	      Beguile the lagging hours of weariness
 3	    With strain which hath strange power
  	      To make me love thee as I love life less! 

  	    From mortal consciousness
 6	      Which binds to earth — infirmity of woe! 
  	    Or pining tenderness — 
  	      Whose streams will never dry or cease to
 9	        flow;

  	    An aching, voiceless void,
  	      Hushed in the heart whereunto none reply,
12	    And in the cringing crowd
  	      Companionless! Bird, bear me through
  	        the sky! 

15	      Written more than sixty years ago for
  	       the New Hampshire Patriot. 

36            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	              COME THOU 

 1	    COME, in the minstrel's lay;
  	      When two hearts meet,
 3	      And true hearts greet,
  	    And all is morn and May. 

  	    Come Thou! and now, anew,
 6	      To tho...ught and deed
  	      Give sober speed,
  	    Thy will to know, and do. 

 9	    Stay! till the storms are o'er — 
  	      The cold blasts done,
  	      The reign of heaven begun,
12	    And Love, the evermore. 

  	    Be patient, waiting heart:
  	      Light, Love divine
15	      Is here, and thine;
  	    You therefore cannot part. 

  	    "The seasons come and go:
18	      Love, like the sea,
  	      Rolls on with thee, — 
  	    But knows no ebb and flow. 
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  37


 1	    "Faith, hope, and tears, triune,
  	      Above the sod
 3	      Find peace in God,
  	    And one eternal noon." 

  	    Oh, Thou hast heard my prayer;
 6	      And I am blest! 
  	      This is Thy high behest:
  	    Thou, here and everywhere. 

38            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	           WISH AND ITEM 

 1	      To the editor of the Item, Lynn, Mass. 

  	    I HOPE the heart that's hungry
 3	      For things above the floor,
  	    Will find within its portals
  	      An item ri...ch in store;

 6	    That melancholy mortals
  	      Will count their mercies o'er,
  	    And learn that Truth and wisdom
 9	      Have many items more;

  	    That when a wrong is done us,
  	      It stirs no thought of strife;
12	    And Love becomes the substance,
  	      As item, of our life;

  	    That every ragged urchin,
15	      With bare feet soiled or sore,
  	    Share God's most tender mercies, — 
  	      Find items at our door. 

18	    Then if we've done to others
  	      Some good ne'er told before,
  	    When angels shall repeat it,
21	      'Twill be an item more. 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  39

  	   DEDICATION OF A TEMPERANCE
  	                           HALL 

 1	    AUTHOR of all divine
  	      Gifts, lofty, pure, and free,
 3	    Temperance and truth in song
  	        sub...lime
  	      An offering bring to Thee! 

 6	    A temple, whose high dome
  	      Rose from a water-cup;
  	    And from its altar to Thy throne
 9	      May we press on and up! 

  	    And she — last at the cross,
  	      First at the tomb, who waits — 
12	    Woman — will watch to cleanse from dross
  	      The cause she elevates. 

  	    Sons of the old Bay State,
15	      Work for our glorious cause! 
  	    And be your waiting hearts elate,
  	      Since temperance makes your laws. 

18	    "Temples of Honor," all,
  	      "Social," or grand, or great,
  	    This blazoned, brilliant temperance hall
21	      To Thee we dedicate. 
 
40              Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    "Good Templars" one and all,
  	      Good "Sons," and daughters, too,
 3	    We dedicate this temperance hall
  	      To God, to Truth, and you! 

  	      Lynn, Mass., August 4, 1866. 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  41

  	                                LINES 

 1	     Come, rest in this bosom, my own stricken deer. 
  	                                                                             — Moo...re. 

 3	    WAS that fold for the lambkin soft
  	        virtue's repose,
  	    Where the weary and earth-
 6	        stricken lay down their woes, — 
  	    When the fountain and leaflet are frozen and
  	        sere,
 9	    And the mountains more friendless, — their
  	        home is not here? 

  	    When the herd had forsaken, and left them
12	        to stray
  	    From the green sunny slopes of the woodland
  	        away;
15	    Where the music of waters had fled to the sea,
  	    And this life but one given to suffer and be? 

  	    Was it then thou didst call them to banish
18	        all pain,
  	    And the harpstring, just breaking, reecho
  	        again
21	    To a strain of enchantment that flowed as
  	        the wave,
  	    Where they waited to welcome the murmur
24	        it gave? 
 
42            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    Oh, there's never a shadow where sunshine
  	        is not,
 3	    And never the sunshine without a dark spot;
  	    Yet there's one will be victor, for glory and
  	        fame,
 6	    Without heart to define them, were only a
  	        name! 

  	      Lynn, Mass., February 19, 1868. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	     TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN
 
 1	     WHO SENT ME THE PICTURE DEPICTIVE OF ISAIAH XI. 

  	    JESUS loves you! so does mother:
 3	      Glad thy Eastertide:
  	    Loving God and one another,
  	      You... in Him abide. 
 6	    Ours through Him who gave you to us, — 
  	      Gentle as the dove,
  	    Fondling e'en the lion furious,
 9	      Leading kine with love. 

  	    Father, in Thy great heart hold them
  	      Ever thus as Thine! 
12	    Shield and guide and guard them; and, when
  	      At some siren shrine
  	    They would lay their pure hearts' off'ring,
15	      Light with wisdom's ray — 
  	    Beacon beams — athwart the weakly,
  	      Rough or treacherous way. 

18	    Temper every trembling footfall,
  	      Till they gain at last — 
  	    Safe in Science, bright with glory — 
21	      Just the way Thou hast:
 
44            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    Then, O tender Love and wisdom,
  	      Crown the lives thus blest
 3	    With the guerdon of Thy bosom,
  	      Whereon they may rest! 

  	      Pleasant View, Concord, N. H., April 3, 1899. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  45

  	                         HOPE 

 1	    TIS borne on the zephyr at eventide's
  	        hour;
 3	    It falls on the heart like the dew
  	        on the flower, — 
  	    An infinite essence from tr...opic to pole,
 6	    The promise, the home, and the heaven
  	        of Soul. 

  	    Hope happifies life, at the altar or bower,
 9	    And loosens the fetters of pride and of power;
  	    It comes through our tears, as the soft
  	        summer rain,
12	    To beautify, bless, and make joyful again. 

  	    The harp of the minstrel, the treasure of time;
  	    A rainbow of rapture, o'erarching, divine;
15	    The God-given mandate that speaks from
  	        above, — 
  	    No place for earth's idols, but hope thou, and
18	        love. 

46            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                    TO ETTA 

 1	    FAIR girl, thy rosebud heart rests
  	        warm
 3	      Within life's summer bowers! 
  	    Nor blasts of winter's angry storm,
  	      Nor April's changeful shower...s,

 6	    Its leaves have shed or bowed the stem;
  	      But gracefully it stands — 
  	    A gem in beauty's diadem,
 9	      Unplucked by ruthless hands. 

  	    Thus may it ripen into bloom,
  	      Fresh as the fragrant sod,
12	    And yield its beauty and perfume
  	      An offering pure to God. 

  	    Sweet as the poetry of heaven,
15	      Bright as her evening star,
  	    Be all thy life in music given,
  	      While beauty fills each bar. 

18	      Lynn, Mass., December 8, 1866. 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  47

  	                  NEVERMORE 

 1	    ARE the dear days ever coming again,
  	      As sweetly they came of yore,
 3	    Singing the olden and dainty re-
  	        frain,
  	      Oh, ...ever and nevermore? 

 6	    Ever to gladness and never to tears,
  	      Ever the gross world above;
  	    Never to toiling and never to fears,
 9	      Ever to Truth and to Love? 

  	    Can the forever of happiness be
  	      Outside this ever of pain? 
12	    Will the hereafter from suffering free
  	      The weary of body and brain? 

  	    Weary of sobbing, like some tired child
15	      Over the tears it has shed;
  	    Weary of sowing the wayside and wild,
  	      Watching the husband fled;

18	    Nevermore reaping the harvest we deem,
  	      Evermore gathering in woe — 
  	    Say, are the sheaves and the gladness a
21	        dream,
  	      Or to the patient who sow? 

  	      Lynn, Mass., September 3, 1871. 

48            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	       MEETING OF MY DEPARTED
  	          MOTHER AND HUSBAND 

 1	    JOY for thee, happy friend! thy bark
  	        is past
 3	    The dangerous sea, and safely
  	        moored at last — 
  	         ...                  Beyond rough foam. 
 6	    Soft gales celestial, in sweet music bore — 
  	    Spirit emancipate for this far shore — 
  	                           Thee to thy home. 

 9	    "You've traveled long, and far from mortal
  	        joys,
  	    To Soul's diviner sense, that spurns such toys,
12	                           Brave wrestler, lone. 
  	    Now see thy ever-self; Life never fled;
  	    Man is not mortal, never of the dead:
15	                           The dark unknown. 

  	    "When hope soared high, and joy was eagle-
  	        plumed,
18	    Thy pinions drooped; the flesh was weak,
  	        and doomed
  	                           To pass away. 
21	    But faith triumphant round thy death-couch
  	        shed
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  49



 1	    Majestic forms; and radiant glory sped
  	                           The dawning day. 

 3	    "Intensely grand and glorious life's sphere, — 
  	    Beyond the shadow, infinite appear
  	                           Life, Love divine, — 
 6	    Where mortal yearnings come not, sighs
  	        are stilled,
  	    And home and peace and hearts are found
 9	        and filled,
  	                           Thine, ever thine. 

  	    "Bearest thou no tidings from our loved on
12	        earth,
  	    The toiler tireless for Truth's new birth
  	                           All-unbeguiled? 
15	    Our joy is gathered from her parting sigh:
  	    This hour looks on her heart with pitying
  	        eye, — 
18	                           What of my child?" 

  	    "When, severed by death's dream, I woke
  	        to Life,
21	    She deemed I died, and could not know the
  	        strife
  	                           At first to fill
24	    That waking with a love that steady turns
 
50            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy



 1	    To God; a hope that ever upward yearns,
  	                           Bowed to His will. 

 3	    "Years had passed o'er thy broken household
  	        band,
  	    When angels beckoned me to this bright land,
 6	                           With thee to meet. 
  	    She that has wept o'er thee, kissed my cold
  	        brow,
 9	    Rears the sad marble to our memory now,
  	                           In lone retreat. 

  	    "By the remembrance of her loyal life,
12	    And parting prayer, I only know my wife,
  	                           Thy child, shall come — 
  	    Where farewells cloud not o'er our ransomed
15	        rest — 
  	    Hither to reap, with all the crowned and blest,
  	                           Of bliss the sum. 

18	    "When Love's rapt sense the heartstrings
  	        gently sweep
  	    With joy divinely fair, the high and deep,
21	                           To call her home,
  	    She shall mount upward unto purer skies;
  	    We shall be waiting, in what glad surprise,
24	                           Our spirits' own!" 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  51

  	             ISLE OF WIGHT 

 1	     ON RECEIVING A PAINTING OF THE ISLE. 

  	    ISLE of beauty, thou art singing
 3	      To my sense a sweet refrain;
  	    To my busy mem'ry bring...ing
  	      Scenes that I would see again. 

 6	    Chief, the charm of thy reflecting,
  	      Is the moral that it brings;
  	    Nature, with the mind connecting,
 9	      Gives the artist's fancy wings. 

  	    Soul, sublime 'mid human debris,
  	      Paints the limner's work, I ween,
12	    Art and Science, all unweary,
  	      Lighting up this mortal dream. 

  	    Work ill-done within the misty
15	      Mine of human thoughts, we see
  	    Soon abandoned when the Master
  	      Crowns life's Cliff for such as we. 

18	    Students wise, he maketh now thus
  	      Those who fish in waters deep,
  	    When the buried Master hails us
21	      From the shores afar, complete. 

 
52            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    Art hath bathed this isthmus-lordling
  	      In a beauty strong and meek
 3	    As the rock, whose upward tending
  	      Points the plane of power to seek. 

  	    Isle of beauty, thou art teaching
 6	      Lessons long and grand, tonight,
  	    To my heart that would be bleaching
  	      To thy whiteness, Cliff of Wight. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  53

  	                    SPRING 

 1	    COME to thy bowers, sweet spring,
  	      And paint the gray, stark trees,
 3	    The bud, the leaf and wing — 
  	      Bring with thee brush and breeze. 

  	  ...  And soft thy shading lay
 6	      On vale and woodland deep;
  	    With sunshine's lovely ray
  	      Light o'er the rugged steep. 

 9	    More softly warm and weave
  	      The patient, timid grass,
  	    Till heard at silvery eve
12	      Poor robin's lonely mass. 

  	    Bid faithful swallows come
  	      And build their cozy nests,
15	    Where wind nor storm can numb
  	      Their downy little breasts. 

  	    Come at the sad heart's call,
18	      To empty summer bowers,
  	    Where still and dead are all
  	      The vernal songs and flowers. 

 
54            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    It may be months or years
  	      Since joyous spring was there. 
 3	    O come to clouds and tears
  	      With light and song and prayer! 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  55

  	                        JUNE 

 1	    WHENCE are thy wooings, gentle
  	        June? 
 3	      Thou hast a naiad's charm;
  	    Thy breezes scent the rose's
  	        breath;
 6	   ...   Old Time gives thee her palm. 
  	    The lark's shrill song doth wake the dawn:
  	      The eve-bird's forest flute
 9	    Gives back some maiden melody,
  	      Too pure for aught so mute. 

  	    The fairy-peopled world of flowers,
12	      Enraptured by thy spell,
  	    Looks love unto the laughing hours,
  	      Through woodland, grove, and dell;
15	    And soft thy footstep falls upon
  	      The verdant grass it weaves;
  	    To melting murmurs ye have stirred
18	      The timid, trembling leaves. 

  	    When sunshine beautifies the shower,
  	      As smiles through teardrops seen,
21	    Ask of its June, the long-hushed heart,
  	      What hath the record been? 
 
56            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    And thou wilt find that harmonies,
  	      In which the Soul hath part,
 3	    Ne'er perish young, like things of earth,
  	      In records of the heart. 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  57

  	          RONDELET 

 1	          The flowers of June
  	    The gates of memory unbar:
 3	        The flowers of June
  	        Such old-time harmonies retune,
  	    I fain would ke...ep the gates ajar, — 
 6	    So full of sweet enchantment are
  	        The flowers of June. 
  	                                 — James T. White. 

 9	    WHO loves not June
  	    Is out of tune
  	    With love and God;
12	    The rose his rival reigns,
  	    The stars reject his pains,
  	    His home the clod! 

15	    And yet I trow,
  	    When sweet rondeau
  	    Doth play a part,
18	    The curtain drops on June;
  	    Veiled is the modest moon — 
  	    Hushed is the heart. 

58            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                       AUTUMN 

 1	    QUICKLY earth's jewels disappear;
  	      The turf, whereon I tread,
 3	    Ere autumn blanch another year,
  	      May rest above my head. 

  	    Touched by the fi...nger of decay
 6	      Is every earthly love;
  	    For joy, to shun my weary way,
  	      Is registered above. 

 9	    The languid brooklets yield their sighs,
  	      A requiem o'er the tomb
  	    Of sunny days and cloudless skies,
12	      Enhancing autumn's gloom. 

  	    The wild winds mutter, howl, and moan,
  	      To scare my woodland walk,
15	    And frightened fancy flees, to roam
  	      Where ghosts and goblins stalk. 

  	    The cricket's sharp, discordant scream
18	      Fills mortal sense with dread;
  	    More sorrowful it scarce could seem;
  	      It voices beauty fled. 
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  59


 1	    Yet here, upon this faded sod, — 
  	      O happy hours and fleet, — 
 3	    When songsters' matin hymns to God
  	      Are poured in strains so sweet,

  	    My heart unbidden joins rehearse,
 6	      I hope it's better made,
  	    When mingling with the universe,
  	      Beneath the maple's shade. 

 9	      Written in girlhood, in a maple grove. 

60            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	        ALPHABET AND BAYONET 

 1	    IF fancy plumes aerial flight,
  	      Go fix thy restless mind
 3	    On learning's lore and wisdom's
  	        might,
  	      And live to bless mankind. 
 6	    The... sword is sheathed, 'tis freedom's hour,
  	      No despot bears misrule,
  	    Where knowledge plants the foot of power
 9	      In our God-blessed free school. 

  	    Forth from this fount the streamlets flow,
  	      That widen in their course. 
12	    Hero and sage arise to show
  	      Science the mighty source,
  	    And laud the land whose talents rock
15	      The cradle of her power,
  	    And wreaths are twined round Plymouth
  	        Rock,
18	      From erudition's bower. 

  	    Farther than feet of chamois fall,
  	      Free as the generous air,
21	    Strains nobler far than clarion call
  	      Wake freedom's welcome, where
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  61


 1	    Minerva's silver sandals still
  	      Are loosed, and not effete;
 3	    Where echoes still my day-dreams thrill,
  	      Woke by her fancied feet. 

62            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	               THE COUNTRY-SEAT 

 1	    WILD spirit of song, — midst the
  	        zephyrs at play
 3	    In bowers of beauty, — I bend to
  	        thy lay,
  	    And woo, while I worship in deep sy...lvan spot,
 6	    The Muses' soft echoes to kindle the grot. 
  	    Wake chords of my lyre, with musical kiss,
  	    To vibrate and tremble with accents of bliss. 

 9	    Here morning peers out, from her crimson
  	        repose,
  	    On proud Prairie Queen and the modest
12	        Moss-rose;
  	    And vesper reclines — when the dewdrop is
  	        shed
15	    On the heart of the pink — in its odorous bed;
  	    But Flora has stolen the rainbow and sky,
  	    To sprinkle the flowers with exquisite dye. 

18	    Here fame-honored hickory rears his bold
  	        form,
  	    And bares a brave breast to the lightning
21	        and storm,
 
                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  63


 1	    While palm, bay, and laurel, in classical
  	        glee,
 3	    Chase tulip, magnolia, and fragrant fringe-
  	        tree;
  	    And sturdy horse-chestnut for centuries hath
 6	        given
  	    Its feathery blossom and branches to heaven. 

  	    Here is life! Here is youth! Here the poet's
 9	        world-wish, — 
  	    Cool waters at play with the gold-gleaming
  	        fish;
12	    While cactus a mellower glory receives
  	    From light colored softly by blossom and
  	        leaves;
15	    And nestling alder is whispering low,
  	    In lap of the pear-tree, with musical flow. ¹ 

  	    Dark sentinel hedgerow is guarding repose,
18	    Midst grotto and songlet and streamlet that
  	        flows
  	    Where beauty and perfume from buds burst
21	        away,
  	    And ope their closed cells to the bright,
  	        laughing day;


24	    ¹An alder growing from the bent branch of a pear-tree.

 
64            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy



 1	    Yet, dwellers in Eden, earth yields you her
  	        tear, — 
 3	    Oft plucked for the banquet, but laid on the
  	        bier. 

  	    Earth's beauty and glory delude as the shrine
 6	    Or fount of real joy and of visions divine;
  	    But hope, as the eaglet that spurneth the sod,
  	    May soar above matter, to fasten on God,
 9	    And freely adore all His spirit hath made,
  	    Where rapture and radiance and glory ne'er
  	        fade. 

12	    Oh, give me the spot where affection may
  	        dwell
  	    In sacred communion with home's magic
15	        spell! 
  	    Where flowers of feeling are fragrant and
  	        fair,
18	    And those we most love find a happiness
  	        rare;
  	    But clouds are a presage, — they darken my
21	        lay:
  	    This life is a shadow, and hastens away. 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  65

  	     TO ELLEN. "SING ME THAT SONG!" 

 1	    O SING me that song! My spirit is
  	        sad,
 3	      Life's pulses move fitful and slow;
  	    A meeting with loved ones in
  	     ...   dreams I have had,
 6	      Whose robes were as spotless as snow:
  	    A phantom of joy, it fled with the light,
  	      And left but a parting in air. 
 9	    My soul is enchained to life's dreary night,
  	      O sing me "Sweet hour of prayer"! 

  	    Ah, sleep, twin sister of death and of night! 
12	      My thoughts 'neath thy drap'ry still lie. 
  	    Alas! that from dreams so boundless and
  	        bright
15	      We waken to life's dreary sigh. 
  	    Those moments most sweet are fleetest alway,
  	      For love claspeth earth's raptures not long,
18	    Till darkness and death like mist melt away,
  	      To rise to a seraph's new song. 

  	    O'er ocean or Alps, the stranger who roams
21	      But gathers a wreath for his bier;
  	    For life hath its music in low minor tones,
  	      And man is the cause of its tear. 
 
66            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy



 1	    But drops of pure nectar our brimming cup
  	        fill,
 3	      When we walk by that murmuring stream;
  	    Or when, like the thrill of that mountain rill,
  	      Your songs float in memory's dream. 

 6	    Sweet spirit of love, at soft eventide
  	      Wake gently the chords of her lyre,
  	    And whisper of one who sat by her side
 9	      To join with the neighboring choir;
  	    And tell how that heart is silent and sad,
  	      No melody sweeps o'er its strings! 
12	    'Tis breaking alone, but a young heart and
  	        glad — 
  	      Might cheer it, perchance, when she sings. 

15	      Lynn, Mass., August 25, 1866. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  67

  	    LINES, ON VISITING PINE GROVE
  	                     CEMETERY 

 1	    AH, why should the brief bliss of life's
  	        little day
 3	    Grow cold in this spot as the spirit-
  	      ...  less clay,
  	    And thought be at work with the long-
 6	        buried hours,
  	    And tears be bedewing these fresh-smiling
  	        flowers! 

 9	    Ah, wherefore the memory of dear ones
  	        deemed dead
  	    Should bow thee, as winds bow the tall wil-
12	        low's head! 
  	    Beside you they walk while you weep, and
  	        but pass
15	    From your sight as the shade o'er the dark
  	        wavy grass. 

  	    The cypress may mourn with her evergreen
18	        tears,
  	    And, like the blue hyacinth, change not with
  	        years;
21	    Yea, flowers of feeling may blossom above,
  	    To yield earth the fragrance of goodness and
  	        love;

 
68            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    So one heart is left me — she breathes in my
  	        ear,
 3	    "I'm living to bless thee; for this are we
  	        here." 
  	    And when this sweet pledge to my lone heart
 6	        was given,
  	    Earth held but this joy, or this happiness
  	        heaven! 

 9	    Here the rock and the sea and the tall wav-
  	        ing pine
  	    Enchant deep the senses, — subduing, sub-
12	        lime;
  	    Yet stronger than these is the spell that hath
  	        power
15	    To sweep o'er the heartstrings in memory's
  	        hour. 

  	    Of the past 'tis the talisman, when we three
18	       met,
  	    When the star of our friendship arose not to
  	        set;
21	    And pure as its rising, and bright as the star,
  	    Be its course through our heavens, whether
  	        near or afar. 

24	      Lynn, Mass., August 24, 1865. 

                 Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  69

  	                       A VERSE 

 1	  MOTHER'S NEW YEAR GIFT TO THE LITTLE CHILDREN 

  	                 FATHER-Mother God,
 3	                         Loving me, — 
  	            ...     Guard me when I sleep;
  	                 Guide my little feet
 6	                       Up to Thee. 

  	                             TO THE BIG CHILDREN 

  	                 Father-Mother good, lovingly
 9	                      Thee I seek, — 
  	                      Patient, meek,
  	                 In the way Thou hast, — 
12	                 Be it slow or fast,
  	                      Up to Thee. 

70            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                          TRUTH 

 1	    BEYOND the clouds, away
  	      In the dim distance, lay
 3	      A bright and golden shower
  	      At sunset's radiant hour, — 
  	    Like to the soul's glad i...mmortality,
 6	      Making this life divine,
  	      Making its waters wine,
  	    Giving the glory that eye cannot see. 

 9	      In God there is no night, — 
  	      Truth is eternal light,
  	      A help forever near;
12	      For sinless sense is here
  	    In Truth, the Life, the Principle of man. 
  	      Away, then, mortal sense! 
15	      Then, error, get thee hence,
  	    Thy discord ne'er in harmony began! 

  	      Immortal Truth, — since heaven rang,
18	      The while the glad stars sang
  	      To hail creation's glorious morn — 
  	      As when this babe was born,
21	    A painless heraldry of Soul, not sense, — 
  	      Shine on our 'wildered way,
  	      Give God's idea sway,
24	    And sickness, sin, and death are banished
  	        hence. 

  	      Lynn, Mass., April, 1871. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  71

  	               "THE LIBERTY BELLS" 

 1	    THIS is the hour they then foretold — 
  	      When earth, inebriate with crime,
 3	    Laughed right to scorn, and guilt,
  	        grown bold,
...  	      Knelt worshiping at mammon's shrine. 

 6	    This is the hour! Corruption's band
  	      Is driven back; and periled right,
  	    Rescued by the "fanatic" hand,
 9	      Spans our broad heaven of light. 

  	    Righteousness ne'er — awestruck or dumb — 
  	      Feared for an hour the tyrant's heel! 
12	    Injustice to the combat sprang;
  	      God to the rescue — Liberty, peal! 

  	    Joy is in every belfry bell — 
15	      Joy for the captive! Sound it long! 
  	    Ye who have wept fourscore can tell
  	      The holy meaning of their song. 

18	    'Tis freedom's birthday — blood-bought
  	        boon! 
  	      O war-rent flag! O soldier-shroud! 
21	    Thine be the glory — nor too soon
  	      Is heard your "Cry aloud!" 

 
72            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    O not too soon is rent the chain
  	      And charter, trampling right in dust! 
 3	    Till God is God no longer — ne'er again
  	      Quench liberty that's just. 

  	      Lynn, Mass., February 3, 1865. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  73

  	                      "MEMENTO" 

 1	          Respectfully inscribed to my friends in Lynn. 

  	    I COME to thee
 3	        O'er the moonlit sea,
  	    When the hoarse wave revisits thy
 ... 	          shore! 
 6	        When waters shout,
  	        And the stars peep out,
  	    I am with thee in spirit once more. 

 9	        Then list the moan
  	        Of the billows' foam,
  	    Laving with surges thy silv'ry beach! 
12	        Night's dewy eye,
  	        The sea-mew's lone cry,
  	    Witness my presence and utter my speech. 

15	        Pleasant a grave
  	        By the "Rock" or wave,
  	    And afar from life's turmoil its goal. 
18	        No sculptured lie,
  	        Or hypocrite sigh,
  	    E'er to mock the bright truth of the soul. 

 
74            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	        Friends, will not ye
  	        Think kindly of me,
 3	    In those moments to memory bestowed? 
  	        Smile on me yet,
  	        O blue eyes and jet,
 6	    Soft as when parting thy sympathy glowed! 

  	      March 3, 1867. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	             COMMUNION HYMN 

 1	    SAW ye my Saviour? Heard ye the
  	        glad sound? 
 3	    Felt ye the power of the Word? 
  	    'Twas the Truth that made us free,
  	    And was found by you and me
 6	...    In the life and the love of our Lord. 

  	    Mourner, it calls you, — "Come to my
  	        bosom,
 9	    Love wipes your tears all away,
  	    And will lift the shade of gloom,
  	    And for you make radiant room
12	    Midst the glories of one endless day." 

  	    Sinner, it calls you, — "Come to this fountain,
  	    Cleanse the foul senses within;
15	    'Tis the Spirit that makes pure,
  	    That exalts thee, and will cure
  	    All thy sorrow and sickness and sin." 

18	    Strongest deliverer, friend of the friendless,
  	    Life of all being divine:
  	    Thou the Christ, and not the creed;
21	    Thou the Truth in thought and deed;
  	    Thou the water, the bread, and the wine. 

76            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	                      LAUS DEO! 

 1	     The laying of the corner-stone of The Mother Church. 

  	    LAUS DEO, it is done! 
 3	    Rolled away from loving heart
  	        Is a stone. 
  	    Lifted highe...r, we depart,
 6	        Having one. 

  	    Laus Deo, — on this rock
  	    (Heaven chiseled squarely good)
 9	        Stands His church, — 
  	    God is Love, and understood
  	        By His flock. 

12	    Laus Deo, night star-lit
  	    Slumbers not in God's embrace;
  	        Be awake;
15	    Like this stone, be in thy place:
  	        Stand, not sit. 

  	    Grave, silent, steadfast stone,
18	    Dirge and song and shoutings low
  	        In thy heart
  	    Dwell serene, — and sorrow? No,
21	        It has none,
  	        Laus Deo! 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

  	       OUR NATIONAL THANKSGIVING
  	                            HYMN 

 1	    GOD of the rolling year! to Thee we
  	        raise
 3	    A nation's holiest hymn in grateful
  	        praise! 
  	    Plenty and ...peace abound at Thy behest,
 6	    Yet wherefore this Thy love? Thou knowest
  	        best! 

  	    Thou who, impartial, blessings spreadst
 9	        abroad,
  	    Thou wisdom, Love, and Truth, — divinely
  	        God! 
12	    Who giveth joy and tears, conflict and rest,
  	    Teaching us thus of Thee, who knowest best! 

  	    Ruler Supreme! to Thee we'll meekly bow,
15	    When we have learned of Truth what Thou
  	        doest now — 
  	    Why from this festive hour some dear lost
18	        guest
  	    Bears hence its sunlit glow — Thou knowest
  	        best! 

 
78            Poems by Mary Baker Eddy


 1	    How have our honored dead fought on in
  	        gloom! 
 3	    Peace her white wings will spread over their
  	        tomb;
  	    Why waited their reward, triumph and rest,
 6	    Till molds the hero form? Thou knowest
  	        best! 

  	    Shades of our heroes! the Union now is one,
 9	    The star whose destiny none may outrun;
  	    Tears of the bleeding slave poured on her
  	        breast,
12	    When to be wiped away, Thou knowest best! 

  	    Thou who in the Christ hallowed its grief, — 
  	    O meekest of mourners, while yet the chief, — 
15	    Give to the pleading hearts comfort and rest,
  	    In that benediction which knoweth best! 

  	      Lynn, Mass., December 7, 1865. 

Poems by Mary Baker Eddy                  79

  	                        SATISFIED 

 1	    IT matters not what be thy lot,
  	           So Love doth guide;
 3	    For storm or shine, pure peace is
  	             thine,
  	           Whate'...er betide. 

 6	    And of these stones, or tyrants' thrones,
  	           God able is
  	    To raise up seed — in thought and deed — 
 9	           To faithful His. 

  	    Aye, darkling sense, arise, go hence! 
  	           Our God is good. 
12	    False fears are foes — truth tatters those,
  	           When understood. 

  	    Love looseth thee, and lifteth me,
15	           Ayont hate's thrall:
  	    There Life is light, and wisdom might,
  	           And God is All. 

18	    The centuries break, the earth-bound wake,
  	           God's glorified! 
  	    Who doth His will — His likeness still — 
21	           Is satisfied. 

  	      Pleasant View, Concord, N. H., January, 1900.