MARCH WINDS AND APRIL
SHOWERS.

THE accompanying engravings need no letter-
press. They will be recognized and admired by
all who have spent a spring in the temperate zone.

A WARNING.

PLACE your hands in mine, dear,
With their rose-leaf touch:
If you heed my warning,
It will spare you much.

Ah! with just such smiling,
Unbelieving eyes,
Years ago I heard it:
You shall be more wise.
You have one great treasure,
Joy for all your life;
Do not let it perish
In one reckless strife.
Do not venture all, child,
In one frail, weak heart;
So, through any shipwreck,
You may save a part.

Where your soul is tempted
Most to trust your fate,
There, with double caution
Linger, fear, and wait.
Measure all you give—still
Counting what you take;
Love for love: so placing
Each an equal stake.
Treasure love; though ready
Still to live without.
In your fondest trust, keep
Just one thread of doubt.

Trust no prayer nor promise;
Words are grains of sand:
Keep your heart unbroken,
Safely in your hand.
That your love may finish
Calm as it begun,
Learn this lesson better,
Dear, than I have done.

Years hence, perhaps, this warning
You shall give again,
In just the self-same words, dear,
And—just as much in vain.

APRIL SHOWERS.