( 155 ) 



CHAPTER IX. 



SEPTEMBER, 



THE year rolls on apace. As week after week ex- 

 pires, bright summer, though she still retains her 

 throne, looks evidently towards more southern lands. 

 There are voices and signs full of warning around us 

 the mysterious heralds of her speedy departure ; yet 

 not in grief does she leave us, nor with grief do we 

 watch her vanishing ; for, though glorious her pre- 

 sence, she gave us only sweet promises, the fulfilment 

 of which now draws nigh. Her purpose is ended 

 her task accomplished and with the sound of her 

 receding pinions blends a sound of joy. The fruit has 

 ripened the harvest is being gathered ; who does not 

 gladly exchange the trustful but anxious watching for 

 the perfect fruition of hope ? Thus it is throughout all 

 creation with animate and inanimate things alike 

 first the promise, then the fulfilment, ever faithful; 

 season succeeding season, generation following genera- 

 tion, whether of men, animals or herbs ; each and all 

 showing forth the unchanging spirit of nature, which, 

 though flippantly lisped by earth-wise fools, is re- 

 verently named amongst the angels, being indeed a 

 glorious manifestation of the might and mercy of 

 God. 



