12 SEPTEMBER 1885, Page 16

POETRY. -

IN THE SUMMER TIME. So beautiful the day had been, I scarce could deem that it would end ; To me it was a constant friend, A presence rather felt than seen.

I watched the swallow in its flight, I watched the bounding river's flow, And caught the sun's delicious glow Through all the sleepless hours of light.

A gentle tremor of the air Swept the tree-tops with murmurous sound ; While stretched upon the heathery ground I kissed my Mother's purple hair.

And happy memories of the years Came wafted on the summer breeze— Like perfumes borne from far-off seas— Till pain was softened into tears.

It was a bliss to breathe, to move, All thoughts of sorrow fled away ; Joy was my visitor that day, And with him hand in hand came Love.

Jowx DENNIS.