3IO Musmgs by Camp- Fire and Wayside 



Looking up from my paper, and out of the open 

 door, I see that the air is sparkling. The opposite 

 shore of the lake appears to have come half-way to 

 meet me. The leaves are fluttering in the crisp 

 breeze, and I am reminded that wife and I are to 

 go to Clear Lake fishing — and some way it appears 

 to me that we will drift on its secluded and shaded 

 waters for the last time. Many the day that we 

 have together gazed down at the tangled forest of 

 water-ferns in its clear depths, watched the rise of 

 the loons, listened to the birds on its shores, and 

 admired the wild deer which came down to drink. 

 But once more: 



We will drift, as we have drifted, down the winding River 



Time, 

 From the spring-lake of the morning till the ocean rolls 



sublime, 

 Just beyond yon veiling forest. Hear its thunder in the 



breeze ! 

 See its breakers through the vistas 'mid the branches of the 



trees ! 



Nor have cared we what should wait us, hidden by the river's 



bend, 

 Rocky rapids, or calm waters, or the winding journey's end; 

 For we knew we two together would be happy while afloat, 

 And be merry at a portage while we lifted at our boat. 



And we shall be, dearest, ever, when we pass yon moaning 



sea 

 We will find another river somewhere waiting you and me. 

 Where the valleys are enchanting and the mountains rise 



sublime. 

 We will find a better river than the winding River Time. 



