FOREST SCENE IN THE DAYS OF WICKLIFF. 213

As water to the parchéd soil,

As to the hungry, bread,
So fell upon the woodman's soul

Each word the pilgrim read.

Thus, through the midnight did they read,
Until the dawn of day;

And then came in the woodman's son,
To fetch the book away.

All quick and troubled was his speech,
His face was pale with dread;
For he said the king had made a law
That the book should not be read;
For it was such a fearful heresy,

The holy Abbot said.

MARY HOWITT.

PART V.

OLDER CHILDREN.

THE summer comes with rosy wreaths,
To dance among the fragrant flowers,
While friendly autumn plenty breathes,
And blessings in abundant showers.
E'en winter with its frost and snow

Brings much the mind to calm and cheer,
But there's a season worth them all
And that's the spring-time of the year.