The Vermont Watchman

The Household.

Communications for this column should be sent to the agricultural editor. Dr. Hoskins, at Newport, Vt.

Written for the Watchman.

February 26 to March 2.

BY M. A. B., SOUTH NORTHFIELD, VT.

For four long days the north wind blew,
And from the night new strength it drew;
It roared and howled about the house,
As though its inmates 'twould arouse.
And when the mornings faintly dawn,
With light so misty, pale and wan,
It seemed as though some dreadful woe
Did o'er us now its shadow throw.
Well muffled up, the farmer's son
Goes out to view the damage done:
But soon returns with tingling ears.
And says: "'Tis worse than all our fears."
One window from its place was torn,
And by the wind was swiftly borne
(So great its power and so intense)
Across a very high board-fence.
"And boards and shingles were," he said
"Just blown from off the old long shed;"
But still the house, not built on sand,
Stands firm as mountain, rock or land.
But we are not quite all alone,
Since we can talk by telephone:
And as the weather colder grows
The neighbors say their water froze,
And that they must, till spring arrives,
Down to the brook their cattle drive;
What can they use? perchance one asks,
Why, draw the water home in casks.
It seems more lonely and more drear,
Because that some of those so dear
Are shut by storm and wind from home.
Where they so gladly now would come.
But we have no more need to fear
Than when the day is calm and clear:
For God is good, and by his will
Can bid the wildest storm "Be still."
So we would lift our hearts in praise
To him who guides in all our ways.
And keeps us singing all the day.
"E'en this also shall pass away."