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It bows before the sickle's edge, and sinks upon the ground; By willing hands 'tis gathered, and in sheaves together

bound,

Which, piled upon the close-reaped fields, range far before the sight,

And in the fading twilight seem like an army camped at night.

Soon the happy cry of "Harvest home" floats through the evening air,

And a thousand cheerful voices tell of gladness every

where ;

And, with overflowing gratitude for a gracious Father's

love,

While thus He pours His gifts below, we raise our hearts

above,

And, for all the joys and blessings that follow in its train, Thank God for sending harvest to be with us once again.

WOODLAND WANDERINGS.

HROUGH the woods I wandered,
When a happy child,

THR

Where the early blossoms
Bloomed in beauty wild.

There I sought the primrose,
There the bluebell found;
There with wreaths of flowers
I my playmates crowned;

There, with hearts unburdened,
Singing all day long,

We our voices mingled

With the wild bird's song.

Through the woods I wandered,
When a merry boy,

While the glades re-echoed

To my shouts of joy.

Seeking nuts or berries,
Eager roamed I there,
Mocked the hidden cuckoo,
Roused the startled hare ;

Or, some nest to plunder,

Climbed the topmost trees, Swung upon their branches, Swaying in the breeze.

Through the woods I wandered, In the prime of youth,

To loved ears repeating

Words of heart-felt truth.

On our path descended

Sunbeams bright and fair;
But her smile was brighter
Who was with me there.

Through the leaves unceasing
Passed a pleasant thrill;
But the words she uttered
Sounded sweeter still.

Through the woods I wander,
Now to manhood grown;
Early hopes and pleasures
Far away have flown ;

Fled the merry freshness
Of the new-born day;
And the spring-tide flowers
Seem not half so gay;

Gone the dear companions
Of my early choice;

And all hushed the accents

Of that cherished voice.

Yet, when I re-visit

Each familiar spot,

Linked with treasured moments,

Ne'er to be forgot,

Dreams of days departed
Crowding come to me,

And the friends of childhood
Once again I see ;

Joys that long have slumbered

O'er my heart preside,

And that loved one rambles
Once more by my side.

Thus, like one who, trav'ling,
Weary and opprest,
At some wayside fountain

Finds relief and rest,

There I often linger,

While these visions last,
On the threshold standing
Of the happy past;

By-gone scenes reviewing,
Ever fresh and green,
Till the pressing present

Draws a veil between.

Then, with lighter footsteps,
I the path explore

Where the unknown future

Stretches far before;

Onward with me bearing

Tender thoughts and sweet;

Treading all my sorrow

Underneath my feet :

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