2-982-487 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Falling Leaves, 1858. Illustration to a poem or song: '"The Wind whose wordless song we hear, The requiem of Autumn sings; Yet, as it sadly fills the ear, A tempered gladness with it brings. The beauteous flowers not made to stay Blessed us at opening and their prime; The blossoms, beautiful as they, Bore fruit at their allotted time. The honest Earth increased the seed Confided to her generous breast; And, having served the future's need, Now asks for her appointed rest. The trees that put their grateful shade Between us and the fiery sun, With Falling Leaves make gold the glade. Now that the Autumn's course is run. And, if we have OUR Fallon Leaves - Dead hopes and dear ones past away - Be thankful for the garner'd sheaves Still left to cheer life's wintry day". M, L.'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.