Dearer far to Heaven are we,

Children of eternity!

OCTOBER.

Crimson-and-gold, October’s boughs proclaim

The approaching Passion of the waning year;

By sacramental signs, for aye the same,

Pathetic portents show the end is near.

The landscape lessens in the shimmering haze;

The songless silence chants the season’s grief;—

Too soon shall follow, with the darkening days,