Which answer seeketh none, but ever forth
Is poured, and by itself its own refrain,
Still echo’d, findeth—save that from the North
Responsive plainings through the leafless tree
Mingle, methinks, with thine in sympathy.
It cannot but be sad—a low-tuned sigh
For lost delights thy callow youth once knew,
When all the grove was blossom, all the sky
A smile above thee, and the glad hours flew
Unmarred from when thy notes brought in the day,
Till evening’s hush was mellowed by thy lay.
It cannot all be sad—some sweet alloy
Of Hope would seem to tremble through thy song,
And serve, when all thy mates are mute, to buoy
Thy heart, though clouds across thy heaven throng,
Though strewn all blossom, and the rude winds’ brawl
Sound the sad dirge of twilight’s sombre fall.
Whate’er it be, clear-throated, soft, and low,
It woos the stern hour with a lulling tone,
According well with streams that whispering flow
Ice-muffled, with the sound of sere leaves blown
In rustling eddies ’neath their parent shade,
Where Autumn’s glory by the wind is laid.
* * * * *
The Conductor of CHAMBERS’S JOURNAL begs to direct the attention of
CONTRIBUTORS to the following notice:
_1st._ All communications should be addressed to the ‘Editor, 339
High Street, Edinburgh.’
_2d._ For its return in case of ineligibility, postage-stamps
should accompany every manuscript.
_3d._ MANUSCRIPTS should bear the author’s full _Christian_ name,
Surname, and Address, legibly written; and should be written on
white (not blue) paper, and on one side of the leaf only.
_4th._ Offerings of Verse should invariably be accompanied by a
stamped and directed envelope.
_If the above rules are complied with, the Editor will do his best to
insure the safe return of ineligible papers._
* * * * *
Printed and Published by W. & R. CHAMBERS, 47 Paternoster Row, LONDON,
and 339 High Street, EDINBURGH.
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_All Rights Reserved._
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[Transcriber’s Note—the following changes have been made to this text.
Page 294: generelly to generally—“generally abortive”.]