Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1850-02-12
The Angel of the Leaves.
BY MISS HANNAH F. GOULD.


Alas aIasp said the sorrOwing Tree.
"my beautiful robe is gone; i, has been torn
from mel Its faded pieces whirl upon the
wind; they ruslle beneath the squirrels foot
as he searches for lis nut; they float upon
the passing stream aud on The quisering lake.
Woe is mel for my dear, green verdute IS
gone. II was the gift Of the Angel of the
Leaves. | have lost il, and my glory is van
ished my beauty has disappeared; my sum-
mer honors have pass ed away. My bright
and comely garment. alas! il is rent into a
thousand parts. Who will weave me such
anoIher' Piece by piece has it been striped
from me. Scarcely did | sigh for the loss
Of one; ere another wandered off on air. -
The sweet sound Of music cheers me
no more. The birds that sang in my bo-
som were dismayed at my desolatiou--lhey
have flown away with their songs.
II stood ia my pride. The sun brighten
ed my robe with smile; the zephyrs breath
ed softly through its CLASSY folds; the clouds
strewed pearls among them. My shadow
was wide upon earllG my head was lifted
high, and my forehead was fair to the heay-
eos. But now, how changed Sadness is
upon me;--my head is shorn; my arms are
stripped; | cannot throw p shadow upon the
ground. Beauty has departed; gladness is
gone out Of my bosom. The blood has re-
tired from my heart and sank into the earth
| am thirsty, am cold. My naked limbs
shiyer in the chilly air; tho keen blast comes
pttiless among them. The winter is com.
ing. ] am destitute. Sorrow is my portion;
mourning must wear me away. How shall
| account to the Angel, who clothed me, icr
the loss of the beautiful gif!"
The Angel had been listening. la sootb-
ing accents he answered The lamentaliou:
"My beloved Tree" SAID he, "be comfort.
ed am with thee still. though every Leaf
has forsaken thee. The voice of gladness is
hushed among thy booghs; but let my whis.
per console thee. Thy sorrow il but for
season. Trust in me. Keep my promise in
thy heart. Be patient and in full hope
lie: the words leave with thee abide and
cheer thee through the coming Winter
Then will return snd eothe thee anew.
"The storm vii! drive rude;y over thee;--
the snow will slt among thy naked limbs.
But these will be light and passing sflictions
The ico will weigh heavily on thy helpless
arms; bui it shall soon dissolve to tears. II
shall pass into the ground, and be drunken
by thy roots. Then will il creepup in secret,
beneath thy bark, and spread into the bran
ches il has oppressed, aud help TO adorn them
| shall be here to use H.
Thy blood has now retired for safety
The frost would chill and destroy it. Il has
gore into thy mothers bosom, for her to keep
il warm. Earth will not rob her offspring -
She is a careful parent; she knows all the
wants OF her children, and forgets not to pro-
vide for the least of them. The sap that has
for while gone down will make thy roots
strike deeper sud spread wider; and renew
ed and strengthened. il shall return to nour-
ish thy heart. Then, if thou shalt have re-
membered and trusted in my promise, will
fulfil Il. Buds shall shoot forth on every
bough. will unfold another robe for thee.
I will color and fit il in every part. II shall
be a comely raiD'en,. Thou shalt forget thy
present sorrow. Sadness shall be swallowed
up Of Joy. Nov. my beloved tree, fare thee
well for seasou!'
The Angel was gone. The cold. mutter.
ing winter drew near. The wild blast whs
[ led for the storm. The storm came and
bowling round the tree. But the word oftht
Angel was hidden in her heart. IL sootheC
her amid the ,hresteDings Of the ter1pest.--
The ice-eakes rstllsd or hsr limos, aud load
ed and weighed them down.