Chapter II

The Spring has come and brought her affluent days, But in the air a rumor runs of death-- A pestilence is half across the sea. The presses blare its probable approach, And poverty and wealth alike forebode. The cholera it is whispered, Asia-born, May leave more vacant chairs about our hearths Than the red havoc of internal war. There is no foot it may not overtake; There is no cheek which may not blanch for it. It is Filth's daughter, and where the low Huddle in impure air in narrow rooms, There it must come. As all forms of life, Animate and inanimate, originate In seeds and eggs, so all infection does. The floating gases in the atmosphere Acting on particles which from filth arise, Mingle with foul wedlock--germinate, And bear their seed like grain, or breed like flies. This product, scattered on the spotless air, And hurried on the currents of the wind, Is breathed by human beings, near and far; And planted in the system, the disease Ripens and grows, until the sufferer dies. Yellow fever is vegetable disease Because the sharp frost kills it. Cholera Is animal in origin, and survives The utmost cold of long, dark winter days.

I pray that if the cholera must come, It will not touch my Grace who is so dear; But that we twain may at the altar stand, And outlive many a trouble in the air, And gather many a day of happiness and peace.