SUMMER FRIENDS.
Reading edition
They came—like bees in summer-time,
When earth is decked with flowers,
And while my year was in its prime
They reveled in my bowers;
But when my honey-blooms were shed,
And chilling blasts came on,
The bee had with the blossom fled:
I sought them—they were gone.
They came—like spring-birds to the grove,
With varied notes of praise,
And daily each with other strove
The highest strain to raise;
But when before the frosty gale
My withered leaves were strown,
And wintry blasts swept down the vale,
I sought them—they were gone.
I. G. B.