The twittering swallows in the lane Were there a year ago; The old nests in the tangled vines Their next year's brood will know. A little brood of children fair, Under the mother's wing, Is in the dream of other days, That flies when flies the spring! "IN THE STILL, STAR-LIT NIGHT." In the still, star-lit night, By the full fountain and the willow-tree, I walked, and not alone-- A spirit walked with me! A shade fell on the grass; Upon the water fell a deeper shade: Something the willow stirred, For to and fro it swayed. The grass was in a quiver, The water trembled, and the willow-tree Sighed softly; I sighed loud-- The spirit taunted me. All the night long I walked By the full fountain, dropping icy tears; I tore the willow leaves, I tore the long, green spears! I clutched the quaking grass, And beat the rough bark of the willow-tree; I shook the wreathed boughs, To make the spirit flee. It haunted me till dawn, By the full fountain and the willow-tree; For with myself I walked-- How could the spirit flee? AUTUMN. No melancholy days are these! Not where the maple changing stands, Not in the shade of fluttering oaks, Nor in the bands Of twisting vines and sturdy shrubs, Scarlet and yellow, green and brown, Falling, or swinging on their stalks, Is Sorrow's crown. The sparkling fields of dewy grass, Woodpaths and roadsides decked with flowers, Starred asters and the goldenrod, Date Autumn's hours. The shining banks of snowy clouds, Steadfast in the aerial blue, The silent, shimmering, silver sea, To Joy are true. My spirit in this happy air Can thus embrace the dying year, And with it wrap me in a shroud As bright and clear! THE AUTUMN SHEAF. Still I remember only autumn days, When golden leaves were floating in the air, And reddening oaks stood sombre in the haze, Till sunset struck them with its redder glare, And faded, leaving me by wood and field In fragrant dew, and fragrant velvet mould, To wait among the shades of night concealed, And learn that story which but once is told. Though many seasons of the falling leaves I watched my failing hopes, and watched their fall; In memory they are gathered now like sheaves, So withered that a touch would scatter all. Dead leaves, and dust more dead, to fall apart, Leaves spreading once in arches over me, And dust enclosing once a loving heart, Still I am happy with youth's mystery. It cannot be unbound,--my autumn sheaf; So let it stand, the ruin of my past; Returning autumn brings the old belief, Its mystery all its own, and it will last. IN THE CITY. The autumn morning sweetly calls to me, And autumn days and nights in patience wait; I answer not, because I am not free, Although I chose my fate.