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of a year which has passed since last we saw them opening into life. In 

 summer, when the green leaves are expanded, and their blossoms exhale 

 sweet odours, how we rejoice in the fragrance with which the air is charged ! 

 And in the autumn, when the changeful foliage displays every lovely hue, 

 how vividly does each falling leaf remind us of the shortness and uncertainty 



of life— 



" Thus, one by one, the faded leaves 

 Fall with each slight autumnal breeze, 

 And great and small drop silently 

 Beneath the sear and withered trees. 

 E'en when the brightest stars are flinging, 

 In dewy light, o'er hill and dale, 

 Farewells to that sweet bower, where singing, 

 Sat in sweet spring the nightingale ; 

 Tis then that more than ever, Death 

 Lurks in that pure and softest light, 

 And, mourning, with its balmy breath 

 Sighs o'er the wild work of the night. 

 And thus 'tis human leaves will fall ; 

 The gentlest wind can lay theni low. 

 Young, old, gay, sad, the great, the small, 

 Now sportive move, fall lifeless now ; 

 And never more that earth shall see 

 Bright eyes, fair cheeks, or flower or tree." 



T 2 



