Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 2.djvu/83

 MIRON.'' 16

��" MIRON."

��BY MISS CARRIE A. SPALDING.

[This poem, written for the occasion, was read at the recent silver wedding of " Miron," (Myron J. Bazeltine), well known in the world of chess, at his beautiful home known as " The Larches," in the town of Thornton. It was published in a New York paper, but is worthy of republication in the Granite Monthly. The author, Miss Spalding of Haverhill, is a young lady of fine liter- ary talent, whose productions have been much admired.]

In other realms, where kings and queens bear sway. Their subjects have no will but to obey : To every mandate, howsoe'er unjust, They bow in silence — since, forsooth, they must! But lo ! a change in our progressive land — We see a man who can all kings command ; Queens move submissive at his sovereign will, Or, as his word directs, in turn stand still.

The moss-grown castles far beyond the sea For ages yet to come unmoved may be ; The ivy clambers o'er the turrets high, The arches echo as in years gone by ; But this enchanter of the modern times Brings back the wonders of Arabian climes, Takes up the Castles as " a little thing," And moves them without aid from lamp or ring. The knights of old, mounted on prancing steed. Who fearless sought each brave and daring deed. Bowed only to the will of lady fair — No other ruler would they deign to bear ; Behold the change! these craven, soulless men Retreat, advance, and then retreat again ; The lightest touch, the softest, swiftest word. Holds them in check as soon as it is heard.

Bishops, who in the sacred chancel stand, Arrayed in flowing surplice, gown and band, While at their feet a kneeling, prayerful crowd. In true devotion, to the earth is bowed, Aside their litany and prayer-book lay — One " not in orders " they at last obey ; Across the checkered path they move with speed, And neither ritual nor canon heed.

Not often do the gods such power bestow

On common mortals in the world below;

To hold at will, through all its changing scenes

Pawns, Knights and Castles, Bishops, Kings and Queens.

But, lest this privilege should foster pride,

To share the honors and the spoils divide,

They also sent a " help-meet," skilled no less

In realms of poesy and fields of Chess.

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