When apple blossoms in the spring
Began their fragrant leaves to shed,
And robins twittered on the wing,
" 'T is time to sow my seeds, " I said.

So, patiently, with care and pains,
My nurslings underground I spread:
" The early and the latter rains
Will reach them where they lie, " I said.

" The sun will nurse them, and the dew;
The sweet winds woo them overhead.
No care of mine shall coax them through
This black, unsightly mould, " I said.

And so I left them; day by day,
To gentle household duties wed,
I went in quiet on my way:
" God will take care of them, " I said.

And now 't is autumn; rich and bright
My garden blooms — blue, white, and red;
A loyal show! a regal sight!
And all is even as I said.

My faithless heart! the lesson heed,
No longer walk disquieted;
Where the Great Sower sows the seed,
All shall be even as He said.

'T is spring-time yet; behold, the years
Roll grandly in, hope-heralded,
When thou shalt say, " Oh, graceless fears!
Lo! all is even as He said! "