Time leaves an impress--and _will bring_ A change o'er every human thing. Seest thou a cloud at hour of even Soft floating in the vault of heaven? Gaze on the shadowy vision fair; 'Tis the last time it resteth there. And dost thou breathe the word "farewell?" 'Twill be affection's funeral knell. And never dream to thy fond arms, Thy friend, arrayed in cherished charms, This cold, vain world will e'er restore As warm and truthful _as before_. Hope in thy heart may chide its pain, But loved ones never come again. LAY OF THE CONSTANT ONE. BY MRS. COROLLA H. CRISWELL. Why do I doubt thy truth, dear one, When thou art _all_ to me? Why do I doubt thy love, and deem Thy fond heart false to be? Why do I think thou lovest _her_, Although thy thrilling eyes Do ever shine on me, dear one, As stars shine from the skies? I watch thy roving glances, love, And when on _her_ they rest, I feel a pang of jealousy Shoot through my throbbing breast; And then, I coldly turn away, And force a careless smile, As if my lonely heart was not In anguish all the while. Could I believe that thou wert _true_, What bliss would then be mine! I never loved but _thee_, dear one, Will never be but _thine_. Though many may have sought my heart, Their vows were nought to me; For years, long, weary years, mine own, I have been true to thee! And still my faith I'll constant keep, Though false thou mayest prove, My heart will never lose for thee Its life-absorbing love; And shouldst thou take _her_ for thy bride, Though shalt not hear _one sigh_; As melts "the snow-flake in the sea," So silently I'll _die_. TO MY BROTHER. BY MRS. M. A. BIGELOW. Brother, brother! storms are sweeping Through the skies on wings of gloom; And to-day I have been weeping At a rising thought of home. Oh! the place where first we center All the love of early years, When life's stormy clan we enter, How its memory prompts our tears! Brother, does the vernal sunlight Fall the same on the green wood? Sings that stream as full of music? Or, hath winter changed its mood? Are the cowslips still as fragrant? Still as pure their golden light, Showing the sweet brooklets pathway Through the meadows fresh and bright? Do the zephyrs soft at even Gently wave the clambering vine? Do the brilliant gems of heaven Make the night about thee shine? Are the fields around thee lying Radiant with their former light? Though above them clouds are flying, Mem'ry sees them always bright! Oh! there is no place--no other Where the scenery seems so fair! While afar, my dearest brother, Still my thoughts are ling'ring there.