December 16
Companions of the Way (Evening)He only is rightly immortal to whom all things are immortal.
O YOUTH immortal—O undying love! With these by winter fireside we'll sit down, Wearing our snows of honour like a crown; And sing as in a grove, Where the full nests ring out with happy cheer, "Summer is here."
Roll round, strange years; swift seasons, come and go: Ye leave upon us only an outward sign; Ye cannot touch the inward and divine, While God alone does know; There seal'd till summers, winters, all shall cease In His deep peace.
Therefore uprouse ye winds and howl your will; Beat, beat, ye sobbing rains on pane and door; Enter, slow-footed age, and thou, obscure Grand Angel—not of ill: Healer of every wound, whene'er thou come, Glad, we'll go home.
DINAH M. MULOCK
THE ORDER OF SORROW