Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1896-12-02

For the SPECTATOR AND VINDICATOR.
[The following lines we're written for
and dedicated to, a lovely daughter of Au
gusta county, Val
l have friend that day by day
Attends me all the pilgrim way,
And sometimes pours me tempting cups,
And ever. always with me sups.
He came at dawn to take me back
On Times now far receding track,
And he was gay with bridal blooms,
And wore some vari-colored plumes.
1t was crisp November morn,
And echoes everywhere were born;
The air had caught the balm of spring,
And we were borne on fleetest wing.
Ger mountains, streams, and vallies wide,
I was conducted by my guide
Back DER the landscapes of the years,
Cheered by the music of the spheres.
With speed of thought we reached a place.
Beneath the blue of heavens dome.
Whose rows of brick Of palish red
Rose double-storied over head.
The house is porched and pillared we'll,
And roomy in its ample swell,
And sowehow-let the FAIRIES tell
Within it is mystic spell.
Around it is a velvet lawn
All diamonded with dew at dawn,
And crowning all are graceful trees,
That would a Druid charm and please.
Behind the mansion is hill,
Dense-wooded, shadowy, and still,
Save,only when the forest rings
With woodman's axe, and chirrupings.
70 North and West are meadow lands,
Fenced into fields by human hands,
And kline in clover to their knees
Grow fat and sleek in lovely ease.
Then, with meanders in its course,
A brook flows downward from its source.
Whose thread of silver in the green
Adds liquid beauty to the scene.
Solace, and peace, and comfort here!
The mOOrlands circle round so near
And far away the whiz and whir
OF city life, and ceaseless stir
Sweet Rockland worthy is thy name
OF mension in the roll of fame,
And hither come. o. sacred Nine
As votive pilgrims to shrine.
My friend. and retrospective guide,
Now drew up closely to my side,
And with touch, and word or two,
Cut short my reveriStic view.
Twas here" said he, '.in early life,
"You found your faithful, darling wife
"And this the very hour and day
''You bore your lovely bride away"
"Just five and twenty years ago
ut seems but yesterday, know
"There at the altar in that room
''You were proud and happy groom. .
"Yes, Time, who oft unfeeling seems
''ln blighting many youthful dreams.
sHas spared the bride, and you, and me,
"Your Silver Wedding Day to see.'
All my Recording Angel he.
Who hither has conducted me,
And now he stands revealed to be
My own. yprecions-Memory.
And have the years thus glided by
As noiseless as butterfly
| And swifter than mountain stream?
Or is it all an airy dream?
Yes, it is sweetly true my wife,
That all these years of welded life,
Well laden with domestic bliss,
Have come, and, leaving, left kiss.
Ambrosia was our daily food
From year to year, God was so good
Better than we could ask, or Think
And Nectar was our daily drink.
Full five and twenty years of love
With benedictions from above,
And then to crown our cup of joy
We have a bright and noble boy.
10 God is due, through all our days,
SUustinted and unceasing praise,
And we would worship and adore,
And love and serve him evermore.
Now, Love, we journey down the hill,
But angels will attend us still,
And He, who erst did Joseph lead,
Will still supply our lack and need.
Should God permit us to grow old,
A wedding we may have of gold.
When we are in the "yellow leaf.''
And life is ripened for the sheaf.
But when we reach the journeys end.
We shall be welcomed by our Friend.
And borne by him to Realms of Light
To drink of Fountains of Delight.
j. NJ. FUTILE,
Wytheville, Va, Nov. 8. 1896.