The curse of gold

Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS.
AUTHOR OF “WIVES AND WIDOWS,” “FASHION AND FAMINE,” “THE SOLDIER’S ORPHANS,” “THE REJECTED WIFE,” “THE OLD HOMESTEAD,” “THE WIFE’S SECRET,” “MABEL’S MISTAKE,” “THE GOLD BRICK,” “SILENT STRUGGLES,” “MARY DERWENT,” “DOUBLY FALSE,” “THE HEIRESS.”
Earth teems with good and evil: from her breast
The rooted corn springs vigorous to the sun;
While summer breezes toss its bearded crest
Until a glorious ripening work is done.
Thus men are amply fed and doubly blessed.
Deep from the caverns of her stony heart,
Toil drags the yellow gold, which, burning there,
Is innocent of harm,—but once apart