FOR CHILDREN. 103

But when he comes nearer to finish his race,
Like a fine setting sun he looks 1:cher in grace,
And gives a sure hope at the end of his days,

Of rising in brighter array. Watts.

 

THE HUMMING-BIRD.

Tux humming-bird! the humming-bird ;
So fairy-like and bright ;

It lives among the sunny flowers,
A creature of delight!

In the radiant islands of the East,
Where. fragrant spices grow,

A thousand, thousand humming-birds
Go glancing to and fro.

Like living fires they flit about,
Scarce larger than a bee,

Among the broad palmetto. leaves,
And through the fan-palm tree.

And in those wild and verdant woods,
Where stately moras tower,

Where hangs from branching tree to tree
The scarlet passion-flower ;

Where on the mighty river banks,
La Plate and Amazon,

The cayman,! like an old tree trunk,
Lies basking in the sun;

There builds her nest the humming-bird,
Within the ancient wood—

1 Cayman—the American alligator.