FOR CHILDREN. 269

Now the birds begin to rouse,
And the squirrel from the boughs
Leaps, to get him nuts and fruit ;
The early lark, that erst! was mute,
Carols in the rising day
Many a note and many a lay.
Beaumont and Fletcher.

 

UNFOLDING THE FLOCKS.

SuepHErps, rise, and shake off sleep—
See the blushing morn doth peep
Through your windows, while the sun
To the mountain-tops has run,
Gilding all the vales below
With the rising flames, which grow
Brighter with his climbing still—
Up! ye lazy swains ! and fill
Bag and bottle for the field ;
Clasp your cloaks fast, lest they yield
To the bitter north-east wind.
Call the maidens up, and find
Who lies longest, that she may
Be chidden for untimed delay.
Feed your faithful dogs, and pray
Heaven to keep you from decay,
So unfold, and then away.

Beaumont and Feicher.

Erst—former]y, before.
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