be free,
Then, Angel Wife, my promise kept, I go to God and thee!"




BOUND FOR CALIFORNIA.


With buoyant heart he left his home for that bright wond'rous
land
Where gold ore gleams in countless mines, and gold dust strews
the sand;
And youth's dear ties were riven all, for as wild, as vain, a
dream
As the meteor false that leads astray the traveller with its
gleam.

Vainly his father frowned dissent, his mother, tearful, prayed,
Vainly his sisters, with fond words, his purpose would have
stayed;
He heard them all with heedless ear, with dauntless heart and
bold--
Whisp'ring to soothe each yearning fear "I go to win you gold."

Restless he paced the deck until he saw the sails unfurled
Of the ship which was to bear him to that new and distant world;
And when his comrades stood with him and watched the lessening
land,
His clear laugh rose the loudest 'mid that gay gold-seekers'