The State Rights Democrat

APRIL.
Over the valleys and over the mountains,
April is rearing her tear-shedding arch,
Filling the lakes and refreshing the fountains--
Tripping along in the footsteps of March
Waking the warblers and winter-lulled flowers,
Gilding with bright, golden sunlight each dome,
Thatching with verdure fair Nature's rough bowers,
Bringing sweet thoughts to our dear valley home.
Bringing sweet thoughts of our souls and our duty,
Telling us how we should always revere
The voice of God's teachings, as she in her beauty
Obediently follows the beck of the year.
Bidding us ramble with her o'er the prairies,
Leading us on in the soft twilight gleam--
Letting us gaze on the drifts of the fairies,
That gracefully float on the cool mountain stream:
Bidding us moisten our lips with the dew-drops
That glisten in beauty on every bright flower
Lest we falter and languish ere reaching the hill-top,
Where Summer is dwelling in beauty and flower.
April, dear April, sweet garlands you're twining
Of roses and lilies of beautiful sheen;
Hoarding bright dew-gems each day for enshrining
Within the sweet wreath you will give to our Queen.
As you kneel at the feet of your beautiful sister.
Bright May, and present her the crown that you wove.
And through her to Mary--oh! how we have missed her--
The Angel of May, and the month that we love.
But, lo! she is coming to us with her treasure ;
Look! look ! in the distance her robes gleam afar!
She comes to delight us with picnics and pleasure:
Oh hasten, dear May, in your bright rosy car.
Nor think us ungrateful to blossom-crowned April.
For all the sweet feelings she brings from above
To our souls; not forgetful of dear rambles taken
By seaside, o'er hilltop, through valley and grove.
April, you've opened our hearts to the beauty
Of truth and of Nature, of love and of faith ;
May the sweet Queen of May win us strength for each duty.
That we may be faithful to them unto death.
Convent of Notre Dame,
Mary A.
San Jose, April 5, 1870.