New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-02-22
For the New Orleans Republican,
MADELINE, ..

Hector, my dog, raise your ~oo,ly head
we're alone tonight
| By Jove! old friend, you're true at least
Heavens! how the wind does blow, and
the rain patters down like Philion's feet
| on the hOme-stretch.
None of the boys will drop in tonight,
| and, by Jove! it's too bad for the theatre
| or club; fellow might catch his death cold
| out in this slush tonight, and if was to
die-why, my dog and my cat would mourn.
And Madeline-somehow this devilish
head Of mine keeps turning to her tonight.
Madeh ne, sleeping "under the daisies
these many years.
How the rain does pour!
Great Cod Madeline; do you slu1nbes
sweet tonight at ElmwOod?
How the birds used to sing. and the
flowers wave at the old place there.
remember how the sun shone on your
yellow curls that first day at Elmwood-the
first day. Madeline. not the last. Would to
God that it had been! We were visiting
the lake near by. a number of us "sports.'
you know. and one day-that day. Made.
line-I stumbled into the grounds at Elm.
wood.
What . timid little sprise sou we're,
standing under tree. you, hat flown of,
the sunbeams falling in decks on your
yellow curls. and the flowers all spilled
from your apron to the ground. All, Made.
line! regathered the fallen flowers. re.
assured the trembling little creature at my
side with artless cunning. Devil take us
men. with all our honeyed wiles. And then.
Madeline. after that. you know. every day
found US there.
At first held your hand, then my arm
cfept down to your waist; then your yellow
curls hung down on my shoulder, and then,
somehow-1ll swear don't know how,
Madeline-l held you all in my arms.
And then. what rain OF kisses, turning
earth to heaven. How wildly through our
veins flowed the 'new strong wine Of love-"
I've kissed many women, haven't I. Hec.
tor. old dogs but my God, Madeline, no
lips e'er brought tho bliss of thine.
Well. the autumn brought our parting.
Time brings surcease to all pleasure, so
reasoned, Madeline. And you-well there
was frightened look in your eyes, aud
kind Of despair in your voice when told
you good-by. didn't think Of it then, but
I did afterward, when some one wrote me
from Elmwood that Madeline. the light of
her home. the darling Of her father, was
fading, dying slowly, it vas said, of some
disease.
Oh: birdie. little golden head, under the
sod and The dew" slept soon the tender blue
eyes Of Madeline.
The sun shone Oh, The birds sang, the
flowers blossomed-bus the old home was
desolate--the fathers heart was broken
the light and joy Of Elmwood had gone for
ever! And 1-well. we men OF the world
have our secrers-under the satin sheen Of |
DUP bfoadcloths, and the garish glimmer of
our diamond studs, and this one the boys |
70 uhd out never.
But, Madeline, love. my wee little bios !
som Of the tender blue eye." if ! had you
tonight, not go desolate my heart and
1ome-aot this bitter vail to-nigh. in
chamber. But you are with the
angels noW-gOne.
Out TO the banks OF The beautiful shore.
Where the angels and seraphim be;
On to the streets of the sweet evermOre
Ny darling has journeyed from me.
Has journeyed away to the golden day.
Where the sunshine falls softly forever.
TO the throne all white that out dazzles the light
IN the Kingdom OF bliss DER the river
What, Hector, old boy, disturbed in your
lreams! Mine are waking, but bring their
litter too.
What miserable Havanas that boy gave
ne. By Jove can't stand this. I'll try
he wind and rain. May be some poor devil
J down on the pave, and I'll give him
1T, and somehow, great God. if l can,
tone.