Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1889-12-14
NIGHT AT HOME.

TRAVELLERS NIGHT AT HOME.
gray twilight draws her curtain adown the win.
dewed west,
mach object shSdow-mantled half seen is, half
is guessed;
THE stars o'erhead show dimly, as newly walked
from sleep,
And drowsily regretful Of the vigil they must
keep;
sounds have q sharp distinctnessthe sun-bour.
never know,
And seem upon the senses to ripper fullness
grow,
AS trembling up the valley, the ear discerneth
plain
The richly solemn rumble of the swift ap-
preaching train.
The overcrowded pavement meath tn white
electric glare,
Presents the old-time picture-Joy jostled DIV
Despair;
But when the suburbs nestle beyond the CITY
gates,
The people quiet gather about their cheerful
CRATES
In neat and coy parlors that breathe such rest
As no spot else can offer, be not contentment
there
AMI rc1Tune-favored mOrtals win never cause
10 roam,
May never know how fondly the traveller loves
his home.
Behold the housewife tripping with anxious,
thoughtful haste,
To see the many knick-knacks in pleasing order
placed;
The dressing-gown and slippers rest, with an
inviting look,
Beside his favored armchair rolled into pleas.
ant nook
Before the polished hearth-stone, whereby tina
footstool stands
The very air seems fragrant with the touch OF
loving hands,
The while her eyes are beaming with an ex.
pectant light
Which says: 20, tims the sweetest, my traveller
comes to-nightw
Within the curtained window his cherished of.
spring twain,
Their hopeful, eager faces close pressed against
the pane,
Peer out into the darkness, their sveIlips
hearts abeat
With keen anticipation, each anxious first tn
greet
The music of his footfau-at once he's at tina
door,
And joyful cries are ringing, while kisses by the
score
His bearded face o'ershower as he enclasps
the r forms
And lifts them to his bosom with strong but
gentle arms.
She, stunning demonstration, which oft savors
of deceit
Her eyes like melting jewels, gives welcome
true and sweet,
Soft chides the clinging children, his wrappings
lays aside,
Then modestiy precedes him, with pardonable
pride,
TO where his chair awaits him-beguiles him OF
his trip
Removes the laid-off garments, sets by the bat.
tered grip,
And ere he scarce perceives it, SO deft and
dextrous she,
he slppered, gowned and seated, a child upon
each knee.
With merry word she leaves them, by house.
hold duties pressed;
The curly heads contidingly are plllowed Oh his
breast;
Their silkeu tresses stroking, he, in the blaz-
ing CRATE,
Sees both his darlings growing to man and
maids estate;
The mystic vail Is lifted that hides the future
years,
And on his pensive vision fair To Be ap-
Swift up The mount OF knowledge advancing
they are seen,
And white -browed Honor leads them ard Virtue
walks between.
About the table gathered each lowly bows the
While humbly and devoutly the homely grace
is said;
No long-drawn invocation to tire the Throne
OF Grace,
Nor AFFECT establishment with pride writ on
its face
But prs Sc and service rendered for life and
health preserved
This plain thanksg wing over, the waiting meal
is served:
No feast, however costly, by lords and lad es
shared,
Fer gave more gra cious pleasure than this by
love prepared.
The little heads are nodding, the bright eyes
strive in vain
TO look 81 am not sleepy" yet close and close
again
TIL sweet good-nights are rendered and
mamma leads away,
And drifting down the stiffness, he hears
small voice say:
Forever and forever tim halting e'er
amen,
Dear Jesus, don't let papa go away from US
again"
His face IS calm and tranquil again she has APP
peared,
But she can note the diamonds are shining in
his beard.
Their eyes have sudden meeting, no need Of
other speech,
She nestles close beside him, each takes the
hand of each,
Against his rugged shoulder she lays her
golden tresses,
And both are lost in DIRE aiming OF timd first
caresses,
When she a bashful maiden and he an awk-
ward youth
She chances shyly upward, both catch the
pleasant truth
And laugh in ready chorus-but still the rich
perfume
OF o dewy summ>r's evening seems floating
through the room.
Gods blessing on the hreside, whatever lot
surrounds,
That TO the holy music Of wedlock still re-
sounds!
Where confidence unbounded and love COM
munion hold,
Where chldren's voices mingle-let misers
hoard their gold,
Ambitious statesmen Wrangle; within this
hallowed light
Dissension never wanders nor Greed its pleas
ures blight
OH picture all the raptures beneath the star
gemmed dome,
The hottest are clustered around the Nlgh' at
Home.
Charles Eugene Banks, in ArkansaW IraV
eler.
MAD DVINH A TTTIE