For Love is Crowned with the Prime.

A maiden, in the Spring-time of her years,
Looked for her Summer-time before 'twas due,
And dreamed a dream of Love, and wished it true,
And many nights were long with sighs and tears.
She kept Love's secret, with a thousand fears,
Lest some might drag her treasure into view;
And in her heart her treasure richer grew,
Piled up with Love's high thought that Heaven nears.
But as time passed the gems their lustre lost,
And she grew sad awhile, but then took heart
For somewhere in Life's garden proudly stands
(And she will find it, some day, there apart)
A tree, whose blossoms, by the glad wind tossed,
Will fall, like showered Love, into her hands.

—A.O.