Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-07-08
The Cloud Lifted.

IL " MuE DuN VI AlI hhlhNNtf hliAl iN0h VI
November days The early morning brought
an easterly wind with drizzling rain
Had it been a downright pouring shower
that gave prospect Of finishing by spending
itself, as driving furious storm that forced
you to think Of the comfort Of a good home
and cheerful fire, it would not have been so
bad But now men went to their business
with hats drawn over their eyes, and mud
from the crossings sticking to their heels
School girls looked out from the hoods Of
their waterproofs, saying how dreadfully
disagreeablew while the boys thrust their
hands in their pockets, and elbowed each
other or slid upon the slippery paycments.
Even the fowls partook Of the general
feeling, standing in corners with one foot
hidden under their draggled feathers, and
themselves half sheltered by a projecting
bit of board, or the still clingiDg foliage Of
some hardy shrubs, while the grass was COW
cred by myriads of wet, ragged, faded
autumn leaves.
But this was only one phase of the
weather. The first morning Of the month
brought US a mantle Of snow that hid all
our ungathered garden treasures, yet staid
not long enough for Us even to shake out our
cloaks and furs.
Its advent was followed by succession
of days without the sun, with clouds driven
over our heads by fierce chilling winds and
occasional petiug from hardened snow flakes,
that came through the raw atmosphere as
if spirited by some grimly smiling demon
and now this day had been the condensa-
tion Of all the shadows into gloom
When it was ended, YEARLY | drew my
curtains, and, dissatisfied with the past, and
disheartened for the future, | mured upon
what this month had brought Tho strifa
Of tongues bad ceased, and demagogues and
politicians were taking breath after their
fierce debates, albeit many were sullenly
brooding over defeats, while victorious auto
Gratis smiled sarcastically, nor needed hint
that gold had made them yictors.
From afar came tidngs Of desoation in
the densely crowded cities of the South
where fever held its revels, and at home
were also stricken and mourning households
had thought to comfort, but | could
only weep to aid, but my efforts were futile
The rain ceased family came the sob
bing and the signing of the south wind
gradually it was hushed, and then
dreamed.
BY my side stood one with look oil
grief mingled with reproach who said
" Art thou so soon weary Of thy Masters
work, that thou allowest the wheels Of duty
to drag thus heavily? p
Dear Lord" cried, shrink not
from the toll, could | but feel the task was
surely Thine. When all my efforts fail
how can | know it is Thy will that
should climb the hedge, or hold my taper
where there is no sign that any see its
shining2"
My child thus tenderly the word
was spoken" hast thou not seen a glo-
rious day grow from the dimness of the
morning? All shadows end not in gloom
each day hath its dawning Patient wait,
and thou shalt know earthly griefs, like
clouds, are transient. OF my all.constant
love to thee bring a token Watch and
thou shalt see my smile"
Then peacefully | slept till morning
light, and 10 all was bright and fair |
went my usual way, but everything seemed
changed The cock from his loitest perch
sent forth his note frequent, loud and shrill.
The birds, which yet remained, chirped
happily. Even the bees awakod to hum
about, and drink their fill from balmy air
The cat, upon the window-sill purred her
content. while the dog gave ioyous barks
then rushed away where the children, in
their widest mood, chased each other round
then laughed SO merrily that all the hills in
echoes answered back their glee Over
every mountain.top was spread beauteous
veil of blue while the sun gave forth such
soft, mild rays as warmed to the inmost
soul, and set every pulse throbbing with
elation. So God can lift and scatter all
our clouds in His sunshine-B.