The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1892-11-03
Autumn Sunset in Stafford.
BY REV. @. e. HARRIS, D. D.

An autumn sunset on the Stafford hills,
as / have seen it Who shall depict it's
beauties, or describe in fitting terms its
splendors? The reluctant sun, 10th to
leave the charming scene, which he has
wooed so warmly, and with which he has
become SO much and so justly enamored,
takes his departure with becoming maj
esty. Emerging from the clouds with
which he has yelled the exceeding bright
ness OF his glory, he takes last, linger-
ing look at the variegated hills, flaming
valleys, and beautiful town; all lighted
up and covered with an Elusive glamour
by the Witchery of his departing rays.
The long shadows stretching over the
sward; the pleasing undulations of hill
and vale; the many hues and brilliance
of the foliage, with the somber back
ground of evergreens; the quiet hamlets
and peaceful farm houses; the well-tilled
fields; the noble mansions; the browsing
cattle; the glistening stream; the bustling
locomotive with its train, winding its SER
now creeping along beside the stream,
now hidden from view, as ashamed to be
caught disturbing the quiet Of the place !;
the groups of mill-buildings Of white and
gray, with their tall chimneys and curling
smoke, indicative of busy industry; the
illuminated and glorified town; the hand
some school-house with its slightly tower,
a picket-guard for liberty; the churches
with their graceful spires, as though with
reverent fingers pointing the people to-
ward God and Heaven; the tranquil GEN.
etery, with its monuments of love and
tablets of affection, nestled SO beautifully
between its hills, and suggestive of the
mournful yet hopeful thought, that here
our precious ones lie sleeping, awaiting
the awakening of the resurrection morn ;
and in the distance, hill rising above hill
till the mountains close in, and shorten
and narrow the horizon; all these COM
bins to form view of intense and fasei-
mating, If quiet loveliness; and of such
unusual attractiveness that the sun may
well be pardoned If he fingers to gaze up
on it. Slowly, regretfully, clothed in a
radiance that battles mortal gaze, the
mighty monarch makes his way down the
western sky; his royal progress marked
by an increasingly respondent glow along
the wide horizon, and the delicate colors
of the attendant clouds; some OF the
dantiest fawn, some Of pale sea-green,
some dark and heavy, masses piled on
masses; between the azure vault. In the
midst of all this pomp and retinue the
great king passes leisurely from view.
But he leaves ample largess. His golden
cloak nantes the western sky, till 1t be-
comes one enormous field of golden sheen
stretching far upward in the heavens.
The eastern sky reflects the tint. The
billowy masses of clouds are edged and
fringed with orange gold, and crimson.
The hills and valleys shine with new beau
ty in this softened, mellow after-glow.
The golden radiance deepens into orange.
The orange brightness fades into dull
deep pink. A dark and sullen red sue.
ceeds the pink. The clouds turn purple
and the east is gray. Shortly, the west.
ern horizon grows gray and chill; the
clouds forget their gayness, and silent
somber darkness settles over all. With 8
sigh we say: ''The day is gone. The
glorious autumn beauty has faded from
earth and sky" When, 10! the stars
shine forth, the harvest moon comes up
and night too praises God. "The heavens
declare tho slc-J OF God, saaasl the GEaaaos.
ment showeth His handiwork''