THE VOICE OF AUTUMN 



I SAID unto the Ocean, ' Speak thou for me, O Sea ! 

 restless, craving creature, thy voice shall speak for 



me ! 



Upon thy wind-lashed waters lift up rny spirit's cry, 

 And bear it to the mighty cloud that sails along the 



sky!' 

 But now, voice of Autumn, that sigh'st amidst the 



trees, 

 Tis thee I bid to speak for me and bear upon thy 



breeze 



To all I love a long farewell, 

 A greeting, and a passing bell. 



gentle voice of Autumn, there is little else to say'; 

 My heart-beats old are well-nigh told, and I I pass 



away. 



Hope folded long ago her wings, and all desires are 

 dead; 



1 only seek a resting-place for weary heart and head. 

 Yet speak for me a soft farewell to Nature's lovely face, 

 And cover with thy golden leaves my last long sleeping- 

 place. 



To all I love, a long farewell, 

 A greeting, and a passing bell. 



