AN AUTUMNAL IDYL. 13
of honest patriotism, and it is one of the purest and noblest that inhabit the heart. It is equally salutary to him that possesses it, and to the country, the object of its regard. It hath a source of consolation, that cheers the heart in those unhappy times when good men are rendered odious, and bad men popular ; when great men are made litde, and litUe men are made great. A genuine patriot, above the reach of personal considerations, with his eye and his heart on the honor and happiness of his country, is a character as easy and satisfactory to himself, as venerable in the eyes of the world. While his country enjoys Freedom and Peace, he will rejoice and be thankful ; and if it be in the counsel of Heaven to send the storm and the tempest, he meets the tumult of the political elements with composure and dignity. Above fear, above dan- ger, above reproach, he feels that the last end, which can happen to any man, never comes too soon, when if he fall in defence of the law and liberty of his country.
��AN AUTUMNAL IDYL.
��BY GEORGE BANCROFT GRIFFITH.
Rare days, cool nights, have come again
With scent of fruit and mint ; Ripe loveliness on hill and plain,
Grand hues of every tint ! But sadly out of key and tune
Is now j)oor katydid ; The cuckoo's flute-like song of June
Within her breast is liid.
��" Kay ! Kay ! " the former stammers now ;
"Chuck! chuck-uck! chu(!k-uck-oo!" Says English summer bird, I trow,
Where rustling woodlands woo But winds ai-e sweet as amber wine.
And now and then a note From fragrant fii-screen seems divine, —
A trill from robin's throat !
��And far-off heights seem nearer heaven
Than e'er they were befoi'e ; The silence of the stars is given
To mist-wrapped glade and shore. Peace, subtle glory Alls the earth ;
In his worn sandals still Time bears us, and our mystic birth
Awaits the Father's will.
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