Filled with yearning was the spirit, dimly conscious of its power, Feeling, yet not comprehending, all its grand and god-like dower; Glowing with the joy and beauty of a soft supernal fire, While his white wings restless quivered, with a seraph-like desire. And his dreams and aspirations slowly took the form of prayer, Wrestling till the blessing-answer, softly sounded through the air— “Labor, for to thee is given, dower and destiny divine; Labor, till the fire within thee, warmeth other hearts than thine!” And with ceaseless, strong endeavor, wrought the spirit hour by hour, Humbly looking up for guidance, to the Source of all his power, Till in place of gloom and darkness, rosy light about him lay, And dim forms of radiant beauty, seemed to throng around his way. Forms of glory and of grandeur, and of fair immortal youth, On his raptured vision shining, in the purity of truth, Breathing love and throbbing life—life divine which he had given, To his glowing spirit linking them, and thus through him to Heaven! * * * * * THE BIRTH OF THE YEAR. BY HERBERT ENKERT. [SEE ENGRAVING.] The moon was sinking down the west, And slowly, through the eastern way, Aurora Borealis-like, Arose the delicate light of day. The countless spheres that jeweled space, A proud, exulting anthem sung, As into life the youthful Year With more than mortal beauty sprung. Beneath his Predecessor lay; Twelve cycles had he seen go by, And now his aged, withered form Was stretched in death athwart the sky. The young Year gazed upon his face, The dew of tears was in his eyes, When, looking up, he saw the shape Of hoary Saturn fill the skies. And Saturn crowned the youthful Year, And placed the sceptre in his hand, And bade him journey, day by day, And month by month, from land to land. With counsels garnered from the Past, Those counsels only age can give, He taught him how to pass through life— To live as only good men live. And then he sent him forth. The youth Sprung lightly on his Orient way, Saluting the arising sun, Bird-like, with many a matin lay; Behind him lay the shrouded dead, Before, Sahara-like, was space; But, like a man, the boy strode on, With hopeful heart and radiant face. * * * * * [Illustration: ADVENT OF THE YEAR. Engraved expressly for Graham’s Magazine by W. E. Tucker Printed by J. M. Butler] * * * * * [Illustration: GEN^{L}. RICHARD MONTGOMERY. Engraved expressly for Graham’s Magazine] * * * * *