There is also a word that no one heard But a grander way for the Sous-Préfet, For ever through life the Curé goes With a smile on his kind old face With his coat worn bare, and his straggling hair And his green umbrella-case. THE MASQUE OF THE MONTHS (FOR A FRESCO) IRSTLY thou, churl son of Janus, FIRS Rough for cold, in drugget clad, Com'st with rack and rheum to pain us ;Firstly thou, churl son of Janus. Caverned now is old Sylvanus ; Numb and chill are maid and lad. After thee thy dripping brother, Dank his weeds around him cling; Hark! for March thereto doth follow, Thou then, April, Iris' daughter, Thou then, April, Iris' daughter. May the jocund cometh after, Month of all the Loves (and mine); Month of mock and cuckoo-laughter,— May the jocund cometh after. Beaks are gay on roof and rafter; Luckless lovers peak and pine. June the next, with roses scented, Hot July thereafter rages, Dog-star smitten, wild with heat; Fierce as pard the hunter cages,— Hot July thereafter rages. Traffic now no more engages; Tongues are still in stall and street. August next, with cider mellow, Laughs from out the poppied corn ; Hook at back, a lusty fellow,August next, with cider mellow. Now in wains the sheafage yellow 'Twixt the hedges slow is borne. Laden deep with fruity cluster, Then September, ripe and hale; Bees about his basket fluster,— Laden deep with fruity cluster. Skies have now a softer lustre ; Barns resound to flap of flail. Thou then, too, of woodlands lover, Dusk October, berry-stained; Wailed about of parting plover,Thou then, too, of woodlands lover. Fading now are copse and cover; Forests now are sere and waned. Next November, limping, battered, Last of all the shrunk December Life and joy must pass away. TWO SERMONS BETWEEN the rail of woven brass, That hides the "Strangers' Pew," I hear the gray-haired Vicar pass And somewhere on my left I see- A soft-eyed, girl St. Cecily, Who notes them-in a book. Ah, worthy GOODMAN,-sound divine! If I admit these thoughts of mine I know your theme, and I revere; A sermon at my side? Or how explain this need I feel,- To Faith,-to Purity! |