Folded and fenced with silence Mindless of moil and mart, It is twilight here in my garden, And twilight here in my heart. ROSAMUND MARRIOTT WATSON THE FRUIT GARDEN PATH The path runs straight between the flowering rows, A moonlit path hemmed in by beds of bloom, Where phlox and marigolds dispute for room With tall, red dahlias and the briar rose. 'Tis reckless prodigality which throws Into the night these wafts of rich perfume Which sweep across the garden like a plume. Over the trees a single bright star glows. Dear garden of my childhood, here my years Have run away like little grains of sand; The moments of my life, its hopes and fears Have all found utterance here, where now I stand; My eyes ache with the weight of unshed tears, You are my home, do you not understand? AMY LOWELL WOOD SONG I heard a woodthrush in the dusk Twirl three notes and make a star-- My heart that walked with bitterness Came back from very far. Three shining notes were all he had, And yet they made a starry call-- I caught life back against my breast And kissed it, scars and all. SARA TEASDALE A PRAYER Teach me, Father, how to go Softly as the grasses grow; Hush my soul to meet the shock Of the wild world as a rock; But my spirit, propt with power, Make as simple as a flower. Let the dry heart fill its cup, Like a poppy looking up; Let life lightly wear her crown, Like a poppy looking down, When its heart is filled with dew And its life begins anew. Teach me, Father, how to be Kind and patient as a tree. Joyfully the crickets croon Under shady oak at noon; Beetle, on his mission bent, Tarries in that cooling tent. Let me, also, cheer a spot, Hidden field or garden grot-- Place where passing souls can rest On the way and be their best. EDWIN MARKHAM THE PHILOSOPHER'S GARDEN "_See this my garden, Large and fair!_" --Thus, to his friend, The Philosopher. "_'Tis not too long_," His friend replied, With truth exact,-- "_Nor yet too wide. But well compact, If somewhat cramped On every side._" Quick the reply-- "_But see how high!-- It reaches up To God's blue sky!_" JOHN OXENHAM INDEX OF TITLES Ære Perennius, _Charles Hanson Towne_, 139. Afternoon on a Hill, _Edna St. Vincent Millay_, 115. Alchemy, _Sara Teasdale_, 262. Amiel's Garden, _Gertrude Huntington McGiffert_, 211. Anxious Farmer, The, _Burges Johnson_, 242. April Morning, An, _Bliss Carman_, 23. April Rain, _Conrad Aiken_, 25.