FOR CHILDREN. 55

THE BIRD CAUGHT AT SEA.

Pretty little feathered fellow,
Why so far from home dost rove?
What misfortune brought thee hither
From the green, embowering grove?
Let thy throbbing heart be still ;
Here secure from danger rest thee ;
No one here shall use thee ill,
Here no cruel boy molest thee.
Barley-corns and crumbs of bread,
Crystal! water, too, shall cheer thee ;
On soft sails recline thy head,
Sleep, and fear no danger near thee:
And when kindly winds shall speed us
To the land we wish to see,
Then, sweet captive, thou shalt leave us,—
Then amidst the groves be free.
A. Hiil,

 

THE THRUSH.

How void of care yon merry thrush,
That sings melodious in the bush,
That has no stores of wealth to keep,
No lands to plough, no corn to reap !
He never frets for worthless things,

- But lives in peace, and sweetly sings;
Enjoys the present with his mate;
Unmindful of to-morrow’s fate.

* Crystal—a transparent mineral—crystal water—~Water a6
clear as crystal.