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WITHERED LEAVES.

Down from the lank elm treesThe crisping wrinkled leavesAre fluttering in the breezeRound the Cathedral eaves.
To the dead heaps belowWith vainly eddying wingReluctantly they go,Like souls to life that cling.
But Autumn's morning skyIn fathomless gulfs of blueSmiles freshly on the eye,With loving, hoping hue.
The season fitteth wellThis place of rest to tread,And bid the spirit dwellOn the time-sever'd dead.