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,
Blinded in a whirl of leaf,
Worn of want and travel-tattered,—
Next November, limping, battered.
Now the goodly ships are shattered,
Far at sea, on rock and reef.

Last of all the shrunk December
Cowled for age, in ashen gray;
Fading like a fading ember,-
Last of all the shrunk December.
Him regarding, men remember

Life and joy must pass away.

BE

TWO SERMONS

ETWEEN the rail of woven brass, That hides the "Strangers' Pew," I hear the gray-haired Vicar pass From Section One to Two.

And somewhere on my left I see-
Whene'er I chance to look-

A soft-eyed, girl St. Cecily,

Who notes them-in a book.

Ah, worthy GoODMAN,-sound divine!
Shall I your wrath incur,

If I admit these thoughts of mine
Will sometimes stray-to her?

I know your theme, and I revere;
I hear your precepts tried;
Must I confess I also hear
A sermon at my side?

Or how explain this need I feel,-
This impulse prompting me
Within my secret self to kneel

To Faith,-to Purity!

"AU REVOIR"

A DRAMATIC VIGNETTE

SCENE. The Fountain in the Garden of the Luxem-
It is surrounded by Promenaders.

bourg.

MONSIEUR JOLICŒUR. A LADY (unknown).

M. JOLICŒUR.

'TIS she, no doubt. Brunette,—and tall: A charming figure, above all!

This promises.-Ahem!

9

THE LADY.

And Monsieur's goodness has to say?
Your note? ...

M. JOLICEUR.

Your note.

THE LADY.

(Reads)

Forgive me.-Nay.

"If Madame [I omit] will be

Beside the Fountain-rail at Three,
Then Madame—possibly—may hear
News of her Spaniel. JOLICEUR."
Monsieur denies his note ?

M. JOLICEUR.

I do.

Now let me read the one from you.
If Monsieur Jolicœur will be
Beside the Fountain-rail at Three,
Then Monsieur-possibly-may meet
An old Acquaintance. INDISCREET.”

THE LADY (Scandalized).

Ah, what a folly!

'Tis not true.
And you?

I never met Monsieur.

M. JOLICEUR (with gallantry).

Have lived in vain till now. But see: We are observed.

THE LADY (looking round).

I comprehend

(After a pause.)

Monsieur, malicious brains combine
For your discomfiture, and mine.
Let us defeat that ill design.

If Monsieur but . . . (hesitating).

...

M. JOLICEUR (bowing).

Rely on me.

THE LADY (still hesitating).

Monsieur, I know, will understand

M. JOLICEUR.

Madame, I wait but your command.

...

THE LADY.

You are too good. Then condescend At once to be a new-found Friend!