* 68 * THE WASP AND THE BEE. A WASP met a bee that was just buzzing by, And he said, "Little cousin, can you tell me why You are loved so much better by people than I? "My back shines as bright and as yellow as gold, And my shape is most elegant, too, to behold; Yet nobody likes me for that, I am told.” "Ah, cousin!" said the bee, "'tis all very true; But if I were half as much mischief to do, Indeed they would love me no better than you. "You have a fine shape, and a delicate1 wing; They own you are handsome: but then there's one thing and that is your sting. They cannot put up with- and that is 66 My coat is quite homely and plain, as you see, Yet nobody ever is angry with me, Because I'm a harmless and diligent bee." From this little story, let people beware; 1 delicate, slight and pretty. * 69 * TELL ME WHAT THE MILL DOTH SAY. TELL me what the mill doth say: What a worker is the mill! Hearken what the rill doth say Listen to the honey-bee As he dances merrily To the little fairy's drum Humming, drumming, drumming, drum: Never idle, never still, Humming, drumming, hum he will. Like the mill, the rill, the bee, Idleness is not for me. What says Cock-a-doodle-doo? It will be but playing still. E. CAPERN. * 70 * THE VOICE OF SPRING. I AM coming, I am coming! See, the yellow catkins1 cover And, their clustering leaves below, Hark! the new-born lambs are bleating, 3 All the birds are singing loud; Look around thee, look around! 1 catkins, blossoms, -a kind of flower, long and slender, resembling a cat's tail, as in the willows, the hazel, etc. 2 their, that is, the violets' leaves. 3 rook, a bird like a crow. And each small and waving shoot Turn thine eyes to earth and heaven: Clothed the earth, and cleared the skies, Pour thy soul in gratitude.2 MARY HOWITT. * 71 * MAY. WELCOME, Welcome, lovely May! Welcome, violets, sweet and blue, Birdies sing on every spray, T. D. MILLER. 1 melodies, songs. 2 be very thankful. * 72 * THE SUMMER'S DAY. FLOWERS are springing, Bees are humming all around; Welcome us in every sound. In the meadows Chase each other far away; Lambs are bleating, Swallows fleeting: Happy all this summer's day. MATTHIAS BARR. * 73 * THE LILY. COME, my Love, and do not spurn Hanging down its modest head, While it scarcely can be seen, Yet we love the lily well For its sweet and pleasant smell, |