28 DECEMBER 1878, Page 16

POETRY.

OLD AND NEW.

WHERE are they hidden, all the vanished years ? Ali, who can say ?

Where is the laughter flown to, and the tears ? Perished ? Ah, nay !

Beauty and strength are born of sun and showers; Shall these not surely spring again in flowers ?

Yet let them sleep, nor seek herein to wed Effect to cause ; For Nature's subtlest influences spread By viewless laws.

This only seek, that each New Year may bring Out of new gifts a fairer, softer Spring! F. W. B.