April's Reply

Why set in gloom wild April now Art thou not herald to the spring And does that grave and low’ring brow Beseem the sorts this hour should bring Go; to the ocean of the past With haste pursue thy dreary way That cloudy face, that frosty blast Might chill the opening blooms of May Well may I wear a cloudy face Well might I drop a parting tear For though I opt the vernal race I also close a fleeting year Long wilt thou here in joy behold The Christian sire amid blessings move With mortal flame of earthly mould But heart and spirit from above Oft will thou hear the orphan sigh A prayer for him who taught him prayer Oft view the widow’s tearful eye In rapture own his saving care Mine is the dread and endless chill The path but once by ages trod Whilst blest and blessing he shall still Perform to man the work of God Another day, and I have been Unlike thee, never more to be For all I loved, and all I’ve seen Shall rise again, but not for me Another day for him shall weave A wreath of many happy year From hin to part well I may grieve Well thou rejoice to keep him hear