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SEEDTIME AND HARVEST.

To her there came at dawn, as she lay still,
A sense of moth-wings fluttering in the dark;
Then the swift stroke of the imprisoned lark,
Beating his lowly cage; whereat a thrill
Shot through her members, and as clouds distil
In heavy drops, unloaded by a spark,
She wept for joy, though she must now embark
Upon that lonely journey fraught with ill.

Yet never word she spake to him that lay
Beside her: but her carriage was so proud,
Her secret became plain, as it may be
A child reveals some hidden joy in play:
She bore herself as if she were endowed
A tabernacle for some mystery.

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