THE SEASON OF BUTTERCUPS. 
45 
fact. Infancy opens into youth, like the unfolding of a 
flower. All is promise; the blossom of life breaks upon 
the ruddy cheek; the freshness of spring-life is there; 
the laughing lip and the daisy light of boyhood's eye 
proclaim how lovely is the stormless spring. But the 
equinox of life comes on, and fierce passions rage; March 
hurricanes ride upon the breath; March madness usurps 
the will; the heart becomes a region of storm and tem¬ 
pest ; and sometimes the spring folly withers the blossom 
which should light up manhood's summer. 
It has its use, this spring of beauty in Nature, this 
spring of passion in Man. As the winds try the branches, 
and the frosts try the buds, sweeping away those that 
are not worthy to bear fruit, so the passions of Man serve 
as tests of the good that is in him. When they lead not 
to licentiousness, they impart a virtuous fire, which 
impels him to noble deeds, and upon the shoulders of 
impetuous youth, Love is borne in triumph to a home of 
virtue. Bless thee, bright season of greenness, birth¬ 
time of out-door joys, harbinger of plenty, genesis of 
love; fresh, fragrant, and fertile season of Buttercups! 
