What scraping and what scratching, what bristling and what hustling, The cock stands on the fence, the wind his ruddy plumage rustling. Like a soldier grand he stands, and like a trumpet glorious, Sounds his shout both far and near, imperious and victorious. But to the Partlets down below who cannot find the key, they hear, "Lock the dairy door;" that's all his challenge says to them, my dear. Why they had it, how they lost it, must remain a mystery ; I that tell you, never heard the first part of the history. But if you listen, dear, next time the cock crows proudly "Lock the dairy door!" you'll hear him tell the biddies loudly : "Chickle, chackle, chee!" they cry; we er haven't got the key!" they c y; Chickle, chackle, chee! Oh, dear! wherever can it be?" they cry. Celia Thaxter. ROBIN OR I?* Robin comes with early spring, Brownish coat and reddish vest. Robin takes my cherry tree For his very, very own; Never asking if he may There he makes his dainty home. Robin eats my cherries, too, In an open, shameless way; Feeds his wife and babies three- Bolder thief than robin is Would be hard, indeed, to find; But he sings so sweet a tune That I really do not mind! "Cheer up! Cheer up!" Robin sings; ୧୧ Cheer up! Cheer up!" all day long; Shine or shower, all the same, "Cheer up! Cheer up!" is his song. • All rights reserved. Eating, singing, Robin lives "May I have some cherries, please?" Robin never thinks to say; Yet, who has the heart-have you? Saucy Rob to drive away? -Sarah E. Sprague. PSALM XXIII. 1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anoint est my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. -Bible. THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SQUIRREL. The Mountain and the Squirrel Had a quarrel, And the former called the latter "Little Prig." Bun replied: "You are doubtless very big; But all sorts of things and weather Must be taken in together, To make up a year, And I think it no disgrace To occupy my place. If I'm not so large as you, 'll not deny you make A very pretty squirrel track. Talents differ; all is well and wisely put If I cannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut." Ralph Waldo Emerson. |