Q24 



THE SEASONS. 



It is pleasant in Winter to witness, on high, 

 The sun beaming bright in a clear frosty sky ; 

 White smoke-staining ether, else stainless and free. 

 And hoary froast spread over meadow and tree. 



It is pleasant in Spring-time to look from the door 

 Upon fields that are barren and dreary no more ; 

 On the trees' tender green, and the myriads of flowers 

 That start into life beneath sunbeams and showers. 



It is pleasant in Summer to mark the rich glow. 

 The blue sky that tinges the waters below ; 

 The breeze that springs up at the close of the day. 

 And wafts to the sense the sweet odour of hay. 



It is pleasant in Autumn to mark, o'er the plain. 

 Asleep 'mid the poppies, the heavy brown grain ; 

 The trees with lithe branches that bend to the ground. 

 Weigh *d down by the bursting fruit, tinted and round. 



All, all have their beauty ; all, have their use ! 

 Without Winter to check. Spring would never produce ; 

 Without clouds, even sunshine would not appear bright ; 

 By succession they yield the rich boon of delight. 



J. M. 



