The Autumn promised, and he keeps His word unto the meadow-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 fair, 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 Outsings the valley-pigeon's lays. Her wings are gemmed, and from her throat, When the clear sun gleams back again, It seems to me as though she wore About her neck a jeweled chain. Say, wilt thou darken such a light, Wilt drag the clouds from heaven's height? Although thy heart with anger swell, Yet firm as marble, mine doth dwell. Therein no fear thy wrath begets, It is not shaken by thy threats. Yea, hurl thy darts, thy weapons wield, The strength of youth is still my shield. My winged steed toward the 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 Not the profusion man may bring, Prevaileth with our Lord and King. The long days out of minutes grow, And out of months the years arise. Wilt thou be master of the wise, Then learn the hidden stream to know, That from the inmost heart doth flow. WINE AND GRIEF. With heavy groans did I approach my friends. Heavy as though the mountains I would move. The flagon they were murdering; they poured Into the cup, wild-eyed, the grape's red blood. No they killed not, they breathed new life therein. Then, too, in fiery rapture, burned my veins, But soon the fumes had fled. In vain, in vain! Ye cannot fill the breach of the rent heart. Ye crave a sensuous joy; ye strive in vain To cheat with flames of passion, my despair. So when the sinking sun draws near to night, The sky's bright cheeks fade 'neath those tresses black. Ye laugh--but silently the soul weeps on; Ye cannot stifle her sincere lament. DEFIANCE. "Conquer the gloomy night of thy sorrow, for the morning greets thee with laughter. Rise and clothe thyself with noble pride Break loose from the tyranny of grief. Thou standest alone among men, Thy song is like pearl in beauty." So spake my friend, 'Tis well! The billows of the stormy sea which overwhelmed my soul,-- These I subdue; I quake not Before the bow and arrow of destiny. I endured with patience when he deceitfully lied to me With his treacherous smile. Yea, boldly I defy Fate, I cringe not to envious Fortune I mock the towering floods. My brave heart does not shrink-- This heart of mine, that, albeit young in years, Is none the less rich in deep, keen-eyed experience. A DEGENERATE AGE.