APPLE-BLOSSOM. 
33 
them away in a forest where the deities were unable to 
find them. The results of this spiteful theft were that 
everything went wrong, both in the realms mundane 
and divine. The gods grew old and infirm, and, be¬ 
coming enfeebled in mind and body, were no longer 
able to regulate the affairs of the earth ; and mortals, 
no longer having any one to look after them, fell into 
evil ways, and became a prey to the evil spirit. Affairs 
grew worse daily, until the gods, combining the re¬ 
mains of their strength, overcame Loki, and compelled 
him to restore the stolen apple-tree. 
APPLE-BLOSSOMS. 
L. E. L. 
Of all the months that fill the year 
Give April’s month to me. 
For earth and sky are then so filled 
With sweet variety ! 
The apple-blossoms’ shower of pearl. 
Though blent with rosier hue— 
As beautiful as woman’s blush. 
As evanescent too. 
On every bough there is a bud. 
In every bud a flower ; ^ 
But scarcely bud or flower will last 
Beyond the present hour. 
Kow comes a shower cloud o’er the sky, 
Then all again sunshine ; 
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