THE TEARS OF APRIL. 59 



THE TEARS OF APRIL. 



&quot;He who goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, 

 shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves 

 with him.&quot; 



QUEEN of the opening year, who weep st to 

 take 



Thy slender sceptre o er a loyal clime, 

 Fearing a lot of royalty must wake 



The wrinkle and the thorn before their time; 



Be firm and hopeful ! for the sparkling smile 

 Shall kiss the transient tear-drop from thy 

 cheek, 



And in thy foot-prints spring with gentlest wile, 

 The blushing primrose, and the violet meek. 



The snow-drop pure shall don its mantle green, 

 And balmy skies awake their favoring ray, 



And heralds, bright with plumage, bless the 



queen, 

 Who joins a tender heart to regal sway. 



So go thou forth, with tears, thy precious seed 

 Sowing in lowly trust, for Joy shall crown the 

 deed. 



