THE TWO CHILDREN

    Heavy hangs the rain-drop From the burdened spray； Heavy broods the damp mist On uplands far away.

    Heavy looms the dull sky, Heavy rolls the sea； And heavy throbs the young heart Beneath that lonely tree.

    Never has a blue streak Cleft the clouds since morn； Never has his grim fate Smiled since he was born.

    Frowning on the infant, Shadowing childhood's joy Guardian-angel knows not That melancholy boy.

    Day is passing swiftly Its sad and sombre prime； Boyhood sad is merging In sadder manhood's time：

    All the flowers are praying For sun, before they close, And he prays too——unconscious—— That sunless human rose.

    Blossom——that the west-wind Has never wooed to blow, Scentless are thy petals, Thy dew is cold as snow！

    Soul——where kindred kindness, No early promise woke, Barren is thy beauty, As weed upon a rock.

    Wither——soul and blossom！ You both were vainly given； Earth reserves no blessing For the unblest of heaven！

    Child of delight, with sun-bright hair, And sea-blue, sea-deep eyes！ Spirit of bliss！ What brings thee here Beneath these sullen skies？

    Thou shouldst live in eternal spring, Where endless day is never dim； Why, Seraph, has thine erring wing Wafted thee down to weep with him？

    "Ah！ not from heaven am I descended, Nor do I come to mingle tears； But sweet is day, though with shadows blended； And, though clouded, sweet are youthful years.

    "I——the image of light and gladness—— Saw and pitied that mournful boy, And I vowed——if need were——to share his sadness, And give to him my sunny joy.

    "Heavy and dark the night is closing； Heavy and dark may its biding be： Better for all from grief reposing, And better for all who watch like me-

    "Watch in love by a fevered pillow, Cooling the fever with pity's balm Safe as the petrel on tossing billow, Safe in mine own soul's golden calm！

    "Guardian-angel he lacks no longer； Evil fortune he need not fear： Fate is strong, but love is stronger； And MY love is truer than angel-care."