Thus thinking of the meeting years, I needs must ask the future one, 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, And wed thy faith to yon bright sky, 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 |