Man and Nature

O steadfast trees that know
Rain, hail, and sleet, and snow,
And all the winds that blow;
But when spring comes, can then
So freshly bud again
Forgetful of the wrong!

Waters that deep below
The stubborn ice can go
With quiet underflow,
Contented to be dumb
Till spring herself shall come
To listen to your song!

Stars that the clouds pass o’er
And stain not, but make more
Alluring than before:—
How good it is for us
That your lives are not thus
Prevented, but made strong!