Mountain Spring and Other Poems — November

_But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice.

_--Psalm 5:11. November is so drear and chill Whilst making leafless branch and tree, Whilst sweeping over vale and hill With all her doleful minstrelsy.

November wails the summer's death In such a melancholy voice, She has a withering, blighting breath;

She does not bid the heart rejoice.

Yet why repine, thou stricken one?

Grief is the common fate of all.

This the refrain beneath the sun: Mortals must die, and leaves must fall.

They'll live again, the leaves and flowers, When spring returns to bless the earth;

They'll waken 'neath her sunny hours Through nature's touch to beauteous birth.

Hope in decay and do not moan That God has taken one we love: Why should our hearts be turned to stone When he is safe in heaven above?

Redeemed through Christ, who was his trust, With him in realms of joy on high;

For though down here "'tis dust to dust," The Christian lives beyond the sky.

Then in the autumn's woe rejoice,-- Rejoice in calm, rejoice in storm;

In either hear God's tender voice, For both his holy will perform.