a fair
knowledge of the fructifying capabilities of the "human form divine," must
rejoice in beholding how effectually the fertilizing dust pushes the young
Globes, Swedes, and Tankards into their rough leaves, that bid defiance to
that voracious "Yorkshire bite" _the turnip fly_.

* * * * *

BIRTH SONG.

ANGEL OF WELCOME.

Hail, new-waked atom of the Eternal Whole,
Young voyager upon Time's rapid river!
Hail to thee, Human Soul,
Hail, and for ever!

CHORUS OF CHERUBIM.

A life has just begun!
A life has just begun!
Another soul has won
The glorious spark of being!
Pilgrim of life all hail!
He who at first called forth,
From nothingness the earth;
Who piled the mighty hills, and dug the sea,
Who gave the stars to gem
Night like a diadem,
Thou little child, made thee!
Young creature of the earth,
Fair as its flowers, though brought in sorrow forth,
Hail, all hail.

ANGEL OF WELCOME.

The Heavens themselves shall vanish as a scroll;
The solid Earth dissolve; the Sun grow pale,
But thou, oh Human Soul,
Shalt be immortal. Hail!

CHORUS OF CHERUBIM.

A life has just begun!
A life has just begun!
Another soul has won
The glorious spark of being!
Oh young immortal, hail!
He before whom are dim
Seraph and cherubim;
Who gave the archangels strength and majesty,
Who sits upon Heaven's throne,
The Everlasting One,
Oh blessed child, made thee!
Fair creature of the earth,
Heir of immortal life, though mortal in thy birth,
Hail, all hail.

DIRGE OF DEATH.

ANGEL OF DEPARTURE.

Shrink not, oh Human Spirit,
The Everlasting Arm is strong to save.
Look up--look up, frail nature, put thy trust
In Him who went down mourning to the dust,
And overcame the grave.

CHORUS OF MINISTERING SPIRITS.

'Tis nearly done,
Life's work is nearly done,
Watching and weariness and strife.
One little struggle more,
One pang and it is o'er,
Then farewell life.
Farewell, farewell, farewell.
Kind friends, 'tis nearly past,
Come, come and look your last.
Sweet children, gather near,
And that last blessing hear,--
See how he loved you, who departeth now.
And, with thy trembling step, and pallid brow,
Oh most beloved one
Whose breast he leant upon,
Come, faithful unto death,
And take his latest breath.
Farewell--farewell--farewell.

ANGEL OF DEPAR