SAID TULIP, "THAT IS SO." ΟΝ NE Christmas time some roots and bulbs, Began to talk so softly that Above was heard no sound. We hear the merry, jingling bells, Said Crocus, "I would like my dress Said Scilla, "O, I wish I could 66 My bright blue gown put on." 'And much I long to join the dance, For none can rival me In grace, the wind has oft declared," Said fair Anemone. "And would," Narcissus said, "I might My silver trumpet blow; 'Twould glad, I'm sure, the Christmas green." Said Tulip, "That is so." Then spoke the Snowdrop, "Cease to wish, For wishes are in vain; Here must we stay until we're called Above the ground again. The blessing of a perfect rest That we may gather strength to deck Till it is time to grow, And all your dreams shall pleasant be." - Madge Elliot. WHAT WINTER APPLES. /HAT cheer is there that is half so good, As a dancing fire of hickory wood, A russet apple is fair to view, With a tanny tint like an autumn leaf, The warmth of a ripen'd corn-field's hue, Or golden hint of a harvest sheaf; And the wholesome breath of the finished year They bring you a thought of the orchard trees, And the sleeepy droning of bumble-bees If you've somewhere left, with its gable wide, - Hattie Whitney — St. Nicholas. ΤΗ DANCE OF THE MONTHS. HE New Year comes in with shout and laughter, And see, twelve months are following after! First January all in white, And February short and bright; - Selected. THE LITTLE PINE-TREE. Ο (From the German.) NCE a little Pine-tree, In the forest ways, Sadly sighed and murmured, Through the summer days. "I am clad in needles Hateful things!" he cried; "All the trees about me Laugh in scornful pride. Broad their leaves and fair to see; Worthless needles cover me. "Ah, could I have chosen, Then, instead of these, Shining leaves should crown me, Shaming all the trees. Broad as theirs and brighter, Dazzling to behold; All of gleaming silver Aye, of burnished gold. Then the rest would weep and sigh; None would be so fine as I." Slept the little Pine-tree When the night came down, While the leaves he wished for Budded on his crown. All the forest wondered At the dawn, to see What a golden fortune Decked this little tree. Then he sang and laughed aloud; Foolish little Pine-tree! At the close of day, Gladly in the dawning, Seen a sight so fair. Then a driving storm did pass ; Humbly said the Pine-tree, "I have learned 'tis best Not to wish for fortunes Fairer than the rest. Glad were I, and thankful, If I might be seen |