The Redbreast. Poem by Susan Evance

AUTUMN's charms are fading fast-
Mark how every ruthless blast
Scatters, as it sweeps around,
Showers of leaves upon the ground.
Ah! no hand its force can stay;
All will soon be torn away.

'Midst the ruins of the year,
See the cheerful bird appear,
Who, of all the warbling train,
Hails alone sad Winter's reign;
And throughout each' dreary day,
Sings the lonely hours away.

Sweet Bird! a summer bright as thine
Within this bosom once did shine;
But now the wintry hour draws near, -
Fast, fast my comforts disappear;
And sinking from my clouded heart,
I feel the Sun of bliss depart.

But shall thy admonition be
Unheeded, gentle Bird! by me?
Or shall its influence fail to move
A wish of emulative love!
No! I will view thy patient form,
And learn to bear the beating storm.

Back to the past I'll turn my eyes;
How many blessings there arise!
Blessings so undeserv'd, that still
My heart must feel the grateful thrill.
Sweet monitor! I'll learn to be
All cheerfully resign'd- like thee.