But patiently each wrought her beautiful dress, And now they are coming to brighten the world, And well may they cheerily laugh, “Ha! ha!" The millions of flowers hid under the ground- - Selected. THE SNOWDROP. Now OW the spring is coming on, Come, my little snowdrop root, Will you not begin to shoot? Ah, I see your little head For the mild south wind doth blow, So your pretty flowers show, Then you'll hang your modest head Down upon my flower-bed. - Songs for the Little Ones at Home. 66 “I THE FIRST SNOWDROP. WANT to get up," the Snowdrop said, As she loosened the wraps about her head. "It may be the world is white with snow, Yet I'd rather be there than here below. 'Tis horrid to be curled up so tightI want to look out and see the light. "My dear little sisters are fast asleep, And it's surely time for the morn to break. My dress is the prettiest e'er was seen; Oh, I have been working, never fear, "And I must welcome the song-birds home, -Julia M. Dana. IN APRIL. HE air is soft and balmy, THE The grass is growing green, Till their slender threads are seen. O joyous, gladsome carol, There is hidden a heavenly message My heart thrills as I listen; God's love is sure and strong. Thank Him for life's awakening! Praise for the bluebird's song! After the winter, springtime, The heart grows warm again. God will His loved ones bring; Still, after frosts and snowdrifts, We hear the bluebirds sing. "By and by the rain came Knocking at the door; Sunbeams coaxed us Sleep no more! Out we sprang delighted; Now we gayly sing, Through the merry hours of spring." - Selected. THE PUSSY WILLOW. HE brook is brimmed with melting snow, And on the highest elm a crow His coal-black wings is sunning. A close, green bud, the Mayflower lies And sweet and low the south wind blows, Within your close, brown wrapper stir; Soon red will bud the maple trees, Upon its mossy pillow; “But you must come the first of all, Come, Pussy!" is the south wind's call,— A fairy gift to children dear, Come, Pussy! Pussy Willow!" -Selected. |