TO A DETRACTOR.
The Aatumn promised, and he keeps
His word unto the meaJow-rose.
The pure, bright lightnings herald Spring,
Serene and glad the fresh earth shows.
The rain has quenched her children's thirst,
Her cheeks, but now so cold and dry,
Are soft and taix, a laughing face ;
With clouds of purple shines the sky,
Though filled with light, yet veiled with haze.
Hark ! hark! the turtle's mocking note
Outainga the Talley-pigeon'a lays.
Her wings are gemmed, and from her throat,
When the clear sun gleams hack again.
It seems to me aa though she wore
About her neck a jewelled chain.
Say, wilt thou darken such a light,
Wilt drag the cloods from heaven's height ?
Although thy heart with anger swell,
Yet firm as marble mine doth dwell.
Therein no fear thy wrath begets.
It ifl not shaken by thy threats.
Tea, hurl thy darts, tliy weapons wield,
The strength of youth is still my shield.
My winged steed toward tie heights doth bound,
The dust whirls upward from the ground;
My song is scanty, dost thou deem
Thine eloquence a mighty stream ?
Only the blameless offering.
