Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Robert KelleyWeeks

767 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!