Addressed to Mary Howitt
June 8, 1848.
by R.H. Horne.
Originally published in Howitt's Journal (William Howitt & Mary Howitt) vol.3 #78 (24 Jun 1848).
I.
After a blight that falls in Spring;
The young beech leaves, yet mindful of the sting,
With cautious fear
Slowly put forth their tender green,
And o'er the dull-red withering crispness wear
Their mellow foliage sheen;
Till the sun's beams make their true beauty clear,
Ready to meet the Summer's joyous wing.
II.
Never despond, oh, Spirit pure!
Good comes to all who hopefully endure
A painful lot,
While youthful health and willing hand
Early and late work round the garden-plot.
We cannot countermand
Our fate and suffering; but no mortal shot
Reaches the heart within itself secure.