Thus thinking of the meeting years,
The coming and the past;

I needs must ask the future one,
Wilt thou be like the last?

There came a sound, but not of speech,

That to my thought replied,

'Misery is the marriage-gift

That waits a mortal bride:

"But lift thine hopes from this base earth,
This waste of worldly care,

And wed thy faith to yon bright sky,
For happiness dwells there."

FEBRUARY.

FEBRUARY was called by our Saxon ancestors Sprout-kele, because, says Verstegan, the coleworth, which was the chief article of winter sustenance of the husbandman, in this month began to yield out wholesome young sprouts. Its modern appellation it derives from the Februalia or expiatory sacrifices which the Romans were wont to offer at this season.

The earlier part of this month may still be reckoned Winter; though the cold generally begins to abate. The days are now sensibly lengthened; and the sun has power enough gradually to melt the snow and ice. Sometimes a sudden thaw comes on with a south wind and rain, which all at once dissolves the snow. Torrents of water then descend from the hills; every little