Part 20 (1/2)
The great bare tree looked down and smiled, ”Good-night, dear little leaves,” he said.
And from below each sleepy child Replied, ”Good-night,” and murmured, ”It is so nice to go to bed!”
_Susan Coolidge._
THE LITTLE LADYBIRD
Ladybird, ladybird! fly away home!
The field-mouse has gone to her nest, The daisies have shut up their sleepy red eyes, And the bees and the birds are at rest.
Ladybird, ladybird! fly away home!
The glow-worm is lighting her lamp, The dew's falling fast, and your fine speckled wings Will flag with the close-clinging damp.
Ladybird, ladybird! fly away home!
Good luck if you reach it at last!
The owl's come abroad, and the bat's on the roam, Sharp set from their Ramazan fast.
Ladybird, ladybird! fly away home!
The fairy bells tinkle afar!
Make haste or they'll catch you, and harness you fast With a cobweb to Oberon's car.
Ladybird, ladybird! fly away home!
To your house in the old willow-tree, Where your children so dear have invited the ant And a few cozy neighbors to tea.
Ladybird, ladybird! fly away home!
And if not gobbled up by the way, Nor yoked by the fairies to Oberon's car, You're in luck! and that's all I've to say!
_Caroline B. Southey._
THE BLUEBIRD
I know the song that the bluebird is singing, Out in the apple-tree where he is swinging; Brave little fellow, the skies may look dreary; Nothing cares he while his heart is so cheery.
Hark! how the music leaps out from his throat, Hark! was there ever so merry a note?
Listen awhile and you'll hear what he's saying, Up in the apple-tree swinging and swaying.
”Dear little blossoms down under the snow, You must be weary of winter, I know; Hark, while I sing you a message of cheer; Summer is coming and spring-time is here!
”Little white snowdrop! I pray you arise; Bright yellow crocus! come, open your eyes; Sweet little violets, hid from the cold, Put on your mantles of purple and gold; Daffodils! daffodils! say, do you hear?-- Summer is coming and spring-time is here!”
_Emily Huntington Miller._
THE BLUE JAY
O Blue Jay up in the maple tree, Shaking your throat with such bursts of glee, How did you happen to be so blue?
Did you steal a bit of the lake for your crest, And fasten blue violets into your vest?
Tell me, I pray you,--tell me true!