Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 September 1885 — The Golden Season. [ARTICLE]

The Golden Season.

(Read at tlie Annual Reunion of the Teachers Institute, by Hiss Minnie HattoA.) 1 In days when fabulous things seemed real, And Myth oven* all had laid its seal, Four Ages were ascribed to EarthThe Golden Age at first had birth. In which kind innocence had sway, And lavish beauty bloomed alway In fruit and flower; and plenteous store Of all things grew; no care before. The next in order, Silver Age; Then Brasil and Iron, a lower stage, As each succeeded each, till grew} Up strife aud wrong; and the dark hue Suspicion, envy, casts o’er all. The Golden Season seems to fall Upon U 3 now, showering around]) The golden grain; and the sweet sound Of richly plumaged songsters thrill Our souls with melody, and'fill “Our thirsty minds and hearts with joy. Oh why should bitter thoughts The perfect beauty of this scene! We hero this evening convene With one accord—to reunite; A year since last we enjoyed the sight Of such a grand occasion. Then As golden sheaves by brawney men Together are in circles bound, So sure as comes this sea3ou round We’re drawn together in these walls. A common sympathy e’er calls Us hither; the same purpose each With earnestness to lead and teach And mould as in a potter’s haDd. What work in life is there as grand Or delicate in art as this? Not Raphael or Phidias With paint-brush or with chisel fine Wrought in material so divine As he who blends with nicest art Such influences as make the heart A thing of good, and beautiful In every part. The dutiful Will strive for this while training mind. With cultured head and heart combined the soul is well equipped to fight The battle of life; the powers of night. This Earth i 3 much in need of such As can, with masterful, pure touch Remove the stairs from Eden soiled. Could the dark serpent’s plans be foiled The Golden Age would once more dawn In lustrous rays, Millennial morn.