LIGHTNING &> TEMPEST 



The spring-wind pass'd through the forest, 

 and whispered low in the leaves, 

 And the cedar toss'd her head, and the oak 

 stood firm in his pride ; 

 The spring-wind pass'd through the town, 



through the housetops, casements, and 

 eaves. 

 And whisper'd low in the hearts of the men, 

 and the men replied, 

 Singing — " Let us rejoice in the light 

 Of our glory, and beauty, and might ; 



Let us follow our own devices, and foster 

 our own desires. 

 As firm as our oaks in our pride, as our cedars 

 fair in our sight. 

 We stand like the trees of the forest that 

 brave the frosts and the fires." 



The storm went forth to the forest, the plague 

 went forth to the town, 

 And the men fell down to the plague, as the 

 trees fell down to the gale ; 

 And their bloom was a ghastly pallor, and 

 their smile was a ghastly frown, 

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