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THE EMIGRANT MECHANIC:

Book I

Introduction. Birthplace of the Mechanic. Affliction of the family. Death of Mother and two Sisters. Father's second marriage. Family tradition. Youth's thoughts and feelings in regard to it. Places visited. Crossthwaite, Underbarrow, Lake Windermere, Esthwaite. Incidents. Poetic Tastes. Conclusion.

Book II

Address to Domestic Bliss. Its influence on Society. Principal source from which it springs, viz., conjugal union, faithfully cherished. An appeal to Parents and Lawgivers on the subject. WILLIAM'S training under its influence. Difficulties in procuring trade. Success at last. Reflections on, and encouragements to, such trades. Temptations and trials. Anecdotes. Appeal to Masters and others. Narrow escape from a cut-throat. Courtship and its consequences. Conclusion.

Holidays. The Schoolboy's anticipations in regard to them. Improper use made of such times by some apprentices. Evil consequence of their conduct. An Appeal to them on the subject. The sad tale of young Daycourt. Address to Liquor. Its evils. WILLIAM'S holiday rambles. Father's Birthplace. Tragic scene there. Farleton Knot. Glance back to Grandfather, etc. Joins Temperance movement. Visit of a man from Canada. His account of the country. Its consequences. WILLIAM'S taste in books. Rural rambles on business. Reflections on cruelty to animals. Retrospective glance. Conclusion.

Book IV

Address to the Sacred Scriptures, glancing briefly at their various excellencies. WILLIAM becomes a Christian. His reception into a. church. Different views of things after conversion. Voice of Nature heard in God's praise. Wonders why Man is so backward in this. Discovers reasons in Man's inbred corruption, temptations, etc. Salvation all of Grace. The humbling nature of this truth to Man's pride, but the security it affords believers. Its effects on him. Fresh Love-trials. Consequent resolutions. Sabbath morning walk. Church bells. Visit to Farm-house. Family worship. Glance at what England owes to prayer. Sunday-School teaching. Other exercises on that day. Their influence on him. Prepares to emigrate. Parting scenes, etc. Embark at Liverpool.

Book V

Address to Commerce. Emigrants reach the sea. Farewell to England. WILLIAM'S employments on board. Storm described. Reach Banks of Newfoundland. Foggy weather. Icebergs seen. Land seen. Emigrant's joy. Ship spoken. Cross Gulf of St. Lawrence. Enter River. Scenery, Etc. Arrive before Quebec. To Montreal. Thence by Ottawa to Kingston. Thence to Hamilton. Settle near Brantford on a Bush-farm. Shifts for furniture. WILLIAM'S narrow escape from death in logging. His relish of Bush sights and sounds. Wants a companion. Resolutions formed and kept. Remarks incident to it. Conclusion.

Book VI

Address to Rural Life. Logging Bee described. The feast. Loggers' jests and other incidents. Burning log heaps. Loggers' Song. WILLIAM'S thoughts, and employments in Autumn. The Autumnal garb of trees. Reflections connected therewith. The family's Sabbath-day employments. Beginning of their hardships. WILLIAM leaves the bush for village life, but soon returns. Father's narrow escape from being crushed. Winter employments. Preparations for sugar making. Process described. Sugarers' Song. Conclusion.

Address to Memory. Spring time described. Thoughts and fancies connected with it. Build a log barn. Spring employments. Increase of trials. WILLIAM'S sickness. His song on Christian Warfare. Good to himself from its composition. Leaves Bush for village again. Tinkers in the country. Thoughts and feelings in connection with it. Preaches in public under peculiar circumstances. Introduced to his future father- in-law's family. Visits their house. Reception. Description of his future wife and sisters. Anecdote. Commences business. Visits the States to buy tools. Takes Niagara in his way. Scenery above Lewiston. First sight of Rapids. Of the Falls. Song to them. Conclusion.

Address to Hope. Its benefits to WILLIAM. Commences business. Manner of conducting it. Thinks again of Matrimony. Shop described. Inconveniences in it. An incident. Discouragements in trade. Compensation for them in visits to his intended. A further glance of her. The home provided her. Marriage. A peep at their home afterward. Forced to leave it. A second move. A Love's pledge. Imminent peril of the wife. Unhappy condition of first-born. Church matters. WILLIAM'S trials from Temper, etc. Continued success in business. Tinsmith's Song. His long sickness and support under it. Dutiful conduct of Apprentice. Wife's self-sacrifices and matronly management. COOPER'S gratitude to her for it. Continued Poetical predilictions. Visits with his wife the Falls of Niagara. Family increase. Troubles in church affairs. Excommunication. Fresh church connection. Troubles arise afresh. Death of wife. WILLIAM'S lament. Conclusion.

William and Amelia My Garden The Inebriate's Daughter's Appeal to her Father To the Children in Mrs. Day's School Song to Brantford To Elihu Burritt To a Violet Emma, the Tinker's Daughter To my Father, supposed to be dying Ode to Peace Stanzas suggested by a Funeral

FAMILY PIECES: To my Beloved Wife To my Daughter Mary Ann, Asleep To Ellen and Willie To Mr. and Mrs. C. Batty To my Infant Annie Stanzas in Memory of Annie To Mrs. H. Battson To Mr. and Mrs. W. Batty Fireside Thoughts of Ann To my Brother James To my Daughter Ellen Murder Will Out, or the Power of Conscience

THE FAITHFUL PASTOR: Book I Book II

FAMILY PIECES

Lines to my Mother To my Wife To the Same To my dear little Boys, James, Christopher and Alfred To Alfred To Amelia To Frederic To my Daughter Ida To my Wife on the Thirteenth Anniversary of our Wedding Day To the Same To the Same

FAREWELL TO MY HARP

THE EMIGRANT MECHANIC

A TALE OF HUMBLE LIFE.

THE ARGUMENT.--Birthplace of the Mechanic. Affliction of the family. Death of mother and two sisters. The father's second marriage. Family tradition. Youth's thoughts and feelings in regard to it. Places visited: Crossthwaite, Underbarrow, Lake Windermere, Esthwaite. Incidents, poetic tastes, etc. Conclusion.

In the northwest of England's verdant isle, Where beauteous scenery meets one with a smile, Where lakes and rivers burst upon the sight And fill the mind with transports of delight, Where lofty hills unite with lowly dales To furnish matter for instructive tales, There is a town, a very ancient town, Which, should enjoy a share of high renown. My native place! I need not sink the name-- Such act, sweet KENDAL! thou might'st justly blame, A place so dear, I trust I still shall love, Where'er I am, or wheresoe'er I rove! It has its site fast by a pleasant stream, Beside whose banks our hero learned to dream. Though quiet, it gave birth to many a name, Which for good deeds obtained a moderate fame. Some few there were well skilled in Science deep, Who now within its several graveyards sleep. Its once-proud Castle that in ruin lies, The birthplace was of one who lived to rise To queenly state, and sit upon a throne And the eighth HENRY as her lord to own. Within this town some very rich men live; But many more who poverty receive As their low birthright, with the fullest share Of its attendants, constant toil and care! These oft, though poor, in honesty may vie With most of those who hold their heads so high. Of this large class young COOPER'S parents were; To peace inclined, they heeded not the stir Which proud Ambition's votaries create To gain such objects as their pride may sate.

E'er since this father was a little boy, Hard out-door labor did his hands employ. The mother, too, to work was early taught, And take delight in what her hands had wrought. This hardy training proved of use to them, A blessing they did never once contemn; For 'twas the means of gaining honest bread-- And on no other would they e'er be fed!

In course of time four children needed care, And claimed from them of food and clothes a share. Nor did they grudge them what they could afford-- For they had learned to live and serve the Lord! But soon Affliction, with her visage dire, Called them to pass through purifying fire! And first a smiling girl was snatched away-- The mother next, to Death became a prey. The father, too, was sick, and laid aside For many weeks; thus sorely was he tried. Anon their pet, a lovely infant, died, And she was laid by her dear mother's side. Such fearful strokes, to one in poverty, Were hard to bear, as all may clearly see. But this poor man, all strong in holy faith, Was led to take a proper view of death-- E'en to regard him as an enemy Conquered by Him who died on Calvary-- And view his loved ones but as gone before. To Canaan's blest and truly happy shore!

Ere long the Lord a partner did prepare To aid this Christian, and his sorrow share. She had for many years in service been; Of careful habits, in good pay I ween. And this enabled her to lay aside A goodly sum, and keep her needs supplied. This virtuous woman thus became "a crown" To that poor man, by trials well bowed down. And by her cleverness in housewif'ry, With constant practice of economy, The family soon enjoyed a greater share Of household comforts, and had much less care.

Young COOPER heard, and could not well conceal Some stirring thoughts that he began to feel. He still was of a very tender age; Far, far too young to feel Ambition's rage. But he had heard of Dukes, and Earls, and Lords, And all the splendor which their rank affords; Had seen in prints their castles and their halls; Had heard of servants who obeyed their calls; Of their vast parks, well filled with noble deer, Their tables loaded with the best of cheer; Of horses, carriages, and fleetest hounds, And cattle feeding over all their grounds; Of gardens filled with precious fruits and flowers, And of sweet music to beguile their hours; Fancied their mansions full of lovely girls, With beauteous eyes, and richly flowing curls; In short, conceived that these men were no less Than mighty lords whom every eye should bless. And 'twas no wonder if in reverie This boy indulged with greatest frequency.

But years flew by, with all their constant care, New hopes, new scenes, and feelings of despair. He owning still a constitution weak, Would better health in change of air oft seek. At times like these, his second mother's care Did send him forth with relatives to fare. And then sweet Crossthwaite, with its paper mill, Its pretty brooks, and many a trickling rill, With dearest pleasure would his bosom fill. Deep gratitude impels him now to pay A tribute due to relatives, and say That purer kindness could not be displayed To any one who needed friendly aid, Than they still showed to him while living there, As their own child, he did their goodness share. Dear, aged friends! grim Death has laid you low, And you no more to him can kindness show!

Before him soon more charming views arise, Enchanting scenes meet everywhere his eyes. See Low Wood Inn, a sweet, secluded spot, Most lovely sight, not soon to be forgot! It stands upon the margin of the lake-- And of it all things round conspire to make A mansion such as poets well might choose-- Fit habitation for the heaven-born Muse! Well might he linger with entranced delight, Though Sol gave warning of approaching night. Aroused by this, ere long he forward hied To that small village still called Ambleside. We now again will cross with him the lake, And thence the road that leads to Hawkshead take; There Esthwaite water on a smaller scale Unfolds her beauties, to adorn my tale. She, like a mirror, on her silvery face Reflects the mansions that her margins grace. Those mansions fair are seen on every hand, And mark their owners men of wealth and taste; Not miserly, nor yet inclined to waste.

Hail, human kindness! Often have I been Indebted to thee for same pleasing scene; Although our race have sadly fallen low, Thou still appearest like the heavenly bow, Amidst the storms of human passion now; And where, dear Angel, thou art to be found, Sweet peace and comfort flow to all around!

THE ARGUMENT.--Address to domestic bliss. Its influence on society. Principal source from whence it springs, viz: conjugal union faithfully cherished. An appeal to parents and law-givers on the subject. WILLIAM'S training under its influence. Difficulties in procuring a trade. Success at last. Reflections on, and encouragements to, such trades. Temptations and trials. Anecdotes. Appeal to masters and others. Narrow escape from a cut-throat. Courtship and its consequences. Conclusion.

Domestic bliss! what tongue can speak thy praise! What poet give, even in his noblest lays, An eulogy that shall thy charms express, Clothed in Truth's language, thy own native dress? To thy sweet influence do we owe the choice Of all mankind, whoever raised their voice In Freedom's cause, or stood on battle-ground, While Liberty her banner waved around. To thee, when governed by God's holy book, Must we in future for true heroes look. For if thou dwellest in each family, Then long may wave the flag of Liberty! To keep thee shining brightly round each hearth, Is worth the wealth contained in all the earth! It does become us then to study well The best of means by which to foster this Great earthly blessing, pure domestic bliss! Hail sweet conjugal union! Hail to thee! May I thy humble votary ever be! Take thee away, and each dear earthly home Would soon a scene of dreadful strife become; And from this source would spring a thousand woes Which to imagine has my heart's blood froze!

And ye, whose task it is to make our laws, Lend your strong influence to aid this cause; See that your hands are clean--or make them so-- You've much to answer for, of weal or woe. Young COOPER'S parents did on him impress The way to gain domestic happiness: More by example than by precepts strong They their dear children sought to lead along Their constant conduct to each other told What they preferred before the richest gold. And one who knows them well can testify That they themselves would evermore deny, Ere they would risk their own or family's peace, As some have done, who scarce from jarring cease. In such a family, as we might expect, True discipline met not with long neglect. And this, employed aright, the Lord will bless, In spite of childhood's frequent waywardness.

Good news at last he heard, with much delight, When his dear father came from work one night; He said a tradesman an apprentice wanted, And told what wages would to him be granted. WILLIAM at once accepted of the place, And met the man next morn with smiling face. 'Twas soon agreed that he a month should try The work, and his new master satisfy. This soon flew past, and he was strongly bound Till seven long years should, in their course, move round.

To mention all his trials and mishaps Would please no reader of this tale, perhaps; Suffice to say, he did himself exert In his new business, and was soon expert In making up their wares of shining metal-- A teapot, can, or otherwise a kettle. Let none despise him for his occupation, For God has stamped it with His approbation. 'Tis therefore lawful, and should always be Approved of men, though e'en of high degree. God's holy book commands that saints engage In honest callings, throughout every age; That they may lead a just and holy life, Nor needlessly be found in worldly strife; That they themselves and households may maintain, From the just proceeds of a righteous gain. Let none be found so foolish or so base, As to regard mechanics as a race Devoid of intellect and common sense, Who to true honor have no just pretence. Our ranks can boast of one far higher name Than e'er was found in other paths of fame. This, my assertion, may to many prove A puzzle great, while puzzles they do love. Cheer up, ye poor mechanics! and pursue Your lowly trades, and Heaven keep still in view.

Ye who have naught to boast save rank and wealth, Look round you openly--or look by stealth; See what our factories have done for you-- And for the world--whichever side you view! Without them, Ocean ne'er would bear a sail To catch the breeze, or fly before the gale; Without them, where could we obtain the Press-- That mightiest engine in the universe? Take it away, and we should back be thrown Into dark ages, which would Science drown. While all the household comforts that we boast Would disappear, and be forever lost! Such thoughts as these would ramble through the brain Of our apprentice, while he did maintain A due respect for those above him placed, And kept these things within his mind encased.

Let none suppose that he his trade pursued Without exposure to temptations rude. In that small shop he found a vicious youth, Who feared not God, nor yet regarded truth: One who deep drank, who gambled, swore and lied Most awfully; nor can it be denied, Some other practices he did pursue Which, I would hope, he long has learned to rue. 'Twas well for WILLIAM that this vicious youth Was, undisguisedly, averse to truth; That, in attempting to sow evil seeds, He made no secret of his foulest deeds. Howe'er it was, our hero stood his ground, In such sad vices never was he found. He now acknowledges 'twas God's rich grace Kept him from falling in that dangerous place. And, from his heart, that goodness would adore Which did preserve him 'midst such trials sore. "Evil communications," God declares, "Corrupt good manners." Who then boldly dares To say their influence will not be seen In those who long exposed to them have been? For, well we know, the unregenerate mind Is proper soil wherein to seek and find The seeds of latent evil, which may spring-- And springing, grow, till they destruction bring. Even so it was with WILLIAM'S carnal heart, Some mischief settled in its fleshy part. Nor was this all; he oft became the butt Of journeymen or 'prentice, who would glut Their hardened hearts by showing greatest spite 'Gainst him for following what he thought was right. Often that wicked youth, in wantonness, Would try all means to give him sore distress. And once, with all a dreadful demon's rage-- In such acts none but demons would engage-- He threw him down, and held him; then applied A lighted candle to his throat and tried To make him think it merely was a joke! Which was as true as most of what he spoke. The sore thus made gave him most cruel pain, And left a scar that does even now remain.

Bad as this was, it was not half so bad As what was done unto another lad. I heard the story, and believe it true-- And shudder while I have it in my view.

The town in which this shocking act was done I have passed through--it was an English one. The scene, a Tinsmith's shop, where several men Were wont to work, and all were present then. A monster man two solder-irons took, Made them quite hot, and, with a fiendish look, Went right behind the boy, and on each side The heated irons to his face applied! The youth saw one, his head aside he threw, Received a burn, before his fate he knew; He quickly turned it then the other way, And had two scars unto his dying day!

Ye masters, foremen, journeymen, and all Who view such scenes, on each of you I call To try your utmost now to do away Such shocking deeds, enacted day by day! If this you do not, you deserve the blame, And richly merit good men's scorn and shame.

Our WILLIAM'S trials led him oft to think That, while from duty he would never shrink, It would be better far to leave his trade, Than the sad object of such sport be made. And to his father spoke to this effect-- Not in ill humor, but with much respect. The father's counsel was, that he should stay. As soon the other youth would go away.

I here may mention he had one good friend, And one on whom he always could depend; This was his dear young master, who oft took Much pains in reading o'er the Christian's Book-- Received its lessons in his gentle heart, And showed by this he chose the better part. He would encourage and defend the youth, Who saw it right to let him know the truth. Alas! this master soon was seized by Death, And died rejoicing in our "common faith." COOPER with grief beheld the sorrowing scene, And called to mind how kind that friend had been; And often wished more like to him were found In all the workshops through the country round. Still time moved on; the elder youth took leave, And those he left had no just cause to grieve. 'Twas WILLIAM'S turn to take the other's place, And do his best to bring it no disgrace. He now had under him a younger boy, While better work did his own hands employ. The workshop was a cellar, close to th' street, And passers-by would oft the workmen greet. The light came through an iron-grated space, Making a prison-like and dismal place.

THE ARGUMENT.--Holidays: the Schoolboy's anticipations in regard to them. Improper use made of such times by some Apprentices. Evil consequences of their conduct. An appeal to them on the subject. The sad tale of young DAYCOURT. Address to Liquor: its evils. WILLIAM'S holiday rambles. Father's birth-place. Tragic scene there. Farleton Knot. Glance back to Grandfather, etc. Joins Temperance movement. Visit of a man from Canada. His account of the country. Its consequences. WILLIAM'S taste in books. Rural rambles on business. Reflections on cruelty to animals. Retrospective glance. Conclusion.

Hail, Holidays! To you, with great delight, The schoolboy looks--exulting with his might At the fair prospect of enjoying play, Or visiting relations far away. Ere your propitious dawn he lays his schemes, And pleased, rejoices in his bright day dreams. He, in anticipation, views the charm Of being for days exempt from birchen harm! When, free from tasks--nor caring much for books-- With some companion he can fish the brooks; Can ramble through the woods for flowers or nuts, Play with fair girls who live in sylvan huts, Mount with agility some green hill top, And, with a mate, roll full length down the slope; Or take his fill from loaded bramble bushes, Or from rich fruit bedecked in Autumn's blushes. Such is the bliss that's placed before his view, In all its fulness, Holidays! by you. And thus, without a single shade of sorrow, He greets his mates with "Holiday to-morrow!" These pleasures seem unto his boyish mind Of the right sort--and for schoolboys designed. He seldom thinks of all the anxious care His parents feel, to give their son a share Of useful learning, that he may discharge His part to God, to them, and men at large.

God does by His most holy Book declare, "Into God's kingdom none shall enter there, Who liquor drink till drunkards they become!" Yet, day by day, some meet this awful doom. Oh, warning take! Flee from this dreadful crime! Pause and consider, while you yet have time!

Listen the story which to you I tell; Dwell on its moral--mark the sequel well; Then look abroad, and see its counterpart In many a case that shows a broken heart.

DAYCOURT was a youth, possessed of wealth-- Had manly beauty and the best of health; In learning he excelled--was quite a wit-- And oft indulged in a deep musing fit. Of very warm and truly tender heart, He did his best to act a proper part; Which made him much respected all around-- Against him, filled with envy, none were found. His widowed mother, then, might well be proud Of such a son, and speak his praises loud. He bore for her respect, and strove to prove In many ways the fulness of his love.

For many years this widow, in her grief, Looked up to God, and found from him relief. She knew the Lord, before her husband died, And found Him one in whom she could confide; In all her trials meekly bowed her head, And found sweet peace was o'er her bosom shed. Her son, to her, was all a son could be-- Yet on one point she felt anxiety: He had not then experienced the New Birth, And his best thoughts had all been of the Earth.

The day arrived when DAYCOURT and his bride Were at the altar in pure wedlock tied. The day was spent as such like days have been, And passed away in happiness serene. At night, a bounteous marriage-feast was spread, And Love's sweet influence over all seemed shed. The friends invited strove to show their joy, In wishing happiness without alloy To that young couple, who, in youthful bloom, Were the admired of all in that large room. But, Oh! I shrink! 'Tis my ungracious task From bliss like this to tear away the mask! On such occasions wine's oft made to flow-- As if it were the source of joy below!

Oh, cruel Liquor! Thou hast millions slain, And still their death-throes cry to thee in vain! Ten thousand broken hearts may soon be found In almost every land the world around. Millions of orphans' cries thine ears assail, While parents' early death they loud bewail; The prisons and asylums which we build, From thy sad victims' ranks are chiefly filled. War's dreadful ravages are justly blamed; But war with thee deserves not to be named! And still, insatiate monster! thy dread jaws Are daily filled--being unrestrained by laws! When will the day, the happy day, arrive, When thee the injured nations forth shall drive?

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