The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-02-15
Seleftea Poetry.
From Morris and Wills Home Journal.
A Poem for the Times.

Every subscriber of the Home Journal know
that we have never entered into any political di
cuSsiOns, nor taken part in any of the asitat!I
topics of the day, and we do not intend to do
now; but the following original and beautif
lines, from the pen of Mrs. Emeline S. Smith
Dnc of the most gifted of our lady contribute
which bears upon these things, we trust W.
not be considered 'treasonable' by any part,
Ponder it well, reader. for it is full of truth al
-
THE SISTERS.-AN ALLEGORY.
MY daughters" said dying man,
'My daughters. young and fair,
Ye've grown in every loneliness.
And we'll repaid my care:
But you must lose this guidance now
List, tLen, my latest PRAYER.
Oh. live. as We have alway lived,
In unity and love;
Be to each other kind and true,
And gentle as the dove;
Thus shall my spirit bless We still,
From its far home above
The good man died as he had lived
With soul serene y grand;
And left, to sorrow o er his loss.
That fair, bright household band
The lOveliest sisterhOod that e'er
Graced any age or land
Awhile they lived in union sweet:
Awhile they kept unstained
That golden heritage of love
Which from their sire they gained;
Ii. t1,,r 1,,,,
Sweet Peace and Concord rcigned.
How beautiful those sisters were,
Linked by such holy ties
Men came from far and near, to view
Their charms with wondering eyes;
And star crowned angels, smiling. kept
Watch O'er them in the skies.
AS wears went by-alas, alas
Tha. such thing should be
A change came o 'er that happy band,
A change most sad to see
Sad as the blight that Eden s bowers
Received at Heavens decree.
1t was little thing. at first,
That wrought the grievous i'll;
A little thing-it always is.
For hearts are mysteries still.
And "trities light as air. can oft
Their inmOst pulses thrill.
"Why do you wear your former fringe
Upon your garment yet
Twas thus an elder sister spoke.
| As she younger met
IL hate the fashion change it, pray.
For one that have set
81 wore it in my fathers time
The younger maid REPLIED
"And all that he approved is still
My pleasure and my pride;
Yet had your boon been kindly asked,
Your plan I m'yh have tried
| From such a small beginning. mark
How tark and wild a close
One angry word engendered more,
| Till scorpion broods arose;
! And those fond siSters-fond as fair
! Became like deadly foes .
Now hatred lights his baleful torch
At every flashing eye;
Now bitter words, from lip to lip.
Like poisoned arrows fly;
And, in this warfare, heaven-bOrn peace
! And loving kindness oie.
One sister taketh part with that,
Another joins with this;
Their looks are like the lightning's stroke
Their voice like serpent's hiss;
Till all, by swift degrees have fallen
From their pure state of bliss.
All ne'er was saddcr vision seen
Beneath the suns glad light.
The households of the whole wide earth
Look on it with alright;
And pitying angels veil their eyes
To shut it out from sight.
Oh, pray! We men most wise and good,
AS ne'er ye prayed before,
That Heaven, to this misguided band
May harmony restore.
And link their hearts in love again.
AS they were linked Of yore