By night, above the dark abyss, The stars their vigils kept, And white-winged mists stooped low to kiss The baby, while it slept. II. AT SCHOOL Weeks passed away; the tiny fern Frond after frond uncurled, By fir trees draped in mosses gray III. ASLEEP Her cradle songs the north wind sung She sung of far-off twilight land, Moss-muffled forests dim, And, to her mountain organ grand,— The aged pine tree's hymn. IV. A CRADLE SONG OF THE NIGHT WIND The pines have gathered upon the hill To watch for the old-new moon; I hear them murmuring -" Hush, be still! 'Tis coming-coming soon!" The brown thrush sings to his meek brown wife Who broods below on her nest: "Of all the world and of all my life 'Tis you I love the best!" But the baby moon is wide awake, And its eyes are shining bright, The pines in their arms this moon must take V. THE HAREBELL'S CHIME Softly swinging to and fro, From its rocky cradle deep, Like a child, laughs in its sleep; All our faces shyly hidden, As the fir trees oft have bidden, Softly bending, sweet notes blending, Wee bells chiming, Harebells tinkle, star gleams twinkle, VI. THE HYMN OF THE NORTHERN PINES Sure sure sure Are the promises He hath spoken, His word hath never been broken. Are the thoughts and the hearts of His chosen, As crystals the north wind hath frozen. Underneath are the arms everlasting; On them our cares we are casting. Long-long long Have we sung of the life He doth give us VII. AT LAST Far from its mountain home the fern Has found a resting-place, A maiden has begun to learn But when at night the north winds smite The fern is listening with delight For in their solemn murmuring Again the dark-robed fir trees stand And hold aloft with trembling hand - WILLIS BOYD ALLEN. THE FERN Violets and fairy mayflowers, 'Tis not popular nor petted, And with symmetry complete; Never haughty, nor disdainful, But of graceful, modest mien; Not high-colored, but contented With a dress of simple green. Though not loved by all or many, Yet to me it is the best, For to see it is refreshing, In its presence there is rest. |