,, 'I'i |;x .’ — I I J I j ^ r»i I j * 1 * ** ,1 j J*j ;''-®i YiMitii'i' 'ws'i'!'''''' * 1''^ ',' "' '", ' Sf’iwisI' i,',., •’ .,s”' “ ' ; , . ' ' '■' ' THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY 611 -01 SONGS FROM THE NEST Songs from the Nest BY EMILY HUNTINGTON MILLER AUTHOR OF ''For the BelovecF' " The Little Maid'" CHICAGO KINDERGARTEN LITERATURE CO. 1894 Printed and Bound by The Pestalozzi- Froebel Press, Chicago •iO . 7 ^ r \ ^ lit U&l,ii{R 6TM ilNIYBSin tut illNiM ^otftcrltood. Sweet Mary ! Mother of my Lord! Through the faint light thy fictured face^ Touched with the glory and the grace Born of the Angelas wondrous word, Draws my eyes upward to its place. What dost thou drea7ii, O woman dear. So late a child whose careless feet Found the green Paths of girlhood sweet. Nor guessed what rapture, drawing near. Would fold thy heart in bliss complete? They ponder much, these 77iother souls That clasp their secret close, nor tell The stra7ige, extdtmg thoughts that swell, A soundless tide, whose fullness rolls To shores where blessed visions dwell. A7id smce that hour whe7i first for thee The hope of all the ages S77tiled, And love a7id loss were reco7tciled. No 77iother'’s heart but thrills to see A world'' s redee77ier i/t her child. Sweet Mary, if S07iie glisteni7ig whig Showed through the dark7iess, d /771 and pale. And a7tgel voices cried, '’"All hail ! Lo, the swift days to thee shall bri/ig, Brim77ted with love'^s w'lne, life''s holy grail / thi7ik I should but lift 77iine eyes. And see again thy radia7tt face Shhze, still and tender, from its place. And, grown like thee, serene and wise. Should thank my Lord for that dear grace. CONTENTS. PAGE Motherhood Frontispiece Asleej? . 21 Auttimn 76 A Birthday Rhyme 78 A Child'’ s Fancy 41 A Laugh in Church 73 A-Maying 49 A Morning Song 56 April Fools 46 At the Window ' 26 A Valentine 27 A Winter Rose ii Baby Arithmetic 24 Baby^s Christening 19 Baby^s World. 18 Chicks 60 Content 75 Counting the Baby's Toes .• 22 Cradle-so 7 tg 14 Cradle Time 28 Dame Dimple 59 Hang Up the Baby's Stocking 36 Her Picture 16 Her World* 84 lit the Garret 61 htto Dreamlan,d 33 June 51 Light Heart 50 Little Bare Feet in the Snow 64 Little Kitow-nothing 12 CONTENTS, PAGE March Winds 44 Motherhood 4 My A It gel 81 My Good-for-nothing 32 My Laddie 39 My Queen 43 Mysteries 38 Out ojf the Nest 20 Somewhere 15 Sweetheart' s Stories 71 The Bluebird 48 The Children' s Prayers 62 The Empty Nest 30 The First Tooth 13 The Old and the New 68 ^ The Robin's Vesper 54 The Runaway Princess 65 The Song of the Crickets 55 The Swallows '52 The True Princess 57 Twilight Fancies 34 Two Years Old 42 in HUemorij OF “All the birdies have flown away; But birds must fly, or they wouldn’t have wings; And the mother knew they would go some day, When she used to cuddle the downy things.” -- -':V' SONGS FROM THE NEST. ^ l^inter Hose* When the meadows were chill and white, Lily-buds heaped with the drifting snows, Rough winds shaking the world at night. Blossomed our fair little winter rose; Soft and pink, from her tender feet To her downy head and her dimpled chin To her velvet hands and her mouth so sweet. Shutting some blissful secret in. We wrapped her in fleecy robes that clung, Fold upon fold, as the roses rest; And the dearest singer that ever sung, Whispered a lullaby over her nest. We drew the curtains to hide away The chilly world, with its cruel snow; And there, in a bower as bright as May, Our dainty blossom began to grow. 12 SONGS FROM THE NEST. BCittlc ilCnotti-'notlting^ Listen, my baby! nobody’s near, Only the kittens small; I’ll whisper something close in your ear. You never must tell at all. Two white kittens, with ball and string. Race and tumble and play; Isn’t it strange — you queer little thing — That you should know less than they? You will not open your velvet fist. Closed tight in a tiny ball; You scowl when your soft pink mouth kissed. And never kiss back at all. Your eyes, with their lovely, misty blue. Wander and wonder — oh, see! The baby listens as if she knew! The baby is smiling to me! SONGS FROM THE NEST. 13 ITfte 3rirst ^ootlt* Come, look at the dainty darling! As fresh as a new-blown rose, From the top of his head so golden. To the dear little restless toes. You can tell by the dancing dimples. By the smiles that come and go. He is keeping a wonderful secret You would give half your kingdom to know. Now kiss him on cheek and forehead. And kiss him on lip and chin; The little red mouth is hiding The rarest of pearls within. Ah, see! when the lips in smiling Have parted their tender red. Do you see the tiny white jewel. Set deep in its coral bed? Now where are the sage reporters Who wait by hamlet and hill. To tell to the listening nation The news of its good or ill? Come, weave with your idle gossip This golden blossom of truth — Just half a year old this morning, And one little pearly tooth! 14 SOA^GS FROM THE NEST. Baby, sleep! the summer breezes Rock the young bird in the tree; Mother’s breast shall be thy pillow, Mother’s arms have cradled thee! Down the rosy vales of slumber, Soft and low the dream-bells ring; Follow where their voices call thee, While my cradle-song 1 sing. Baby, sleep! the rose has folded Half her sweetness from the night; Sleep, and when the rose is fairest. Thou shalt wake to new delight. Sweeter, clearer, softer, nearer, I can hear the dream-bells ring; Follow where their voices call thee. While my cradle-song I sing. Baby, sleep! for brighter visions Than thy mother’s eyes can see, Angel hands are swiftly bringing From the silent land to thee. Down the rosy vales of slumber. Fairy chimes the dream-bells ring; Baby, sleep; and sleeping listen, While my cradle-song 1 sing. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 15 Brave little messenger, blue as the sky, Swinging and caroling up in the tree. Out of what happier land did you fly. The spring’s glad greeting to bring to me? Blithe little heart, let us sing together; Somewhere, always, is summer weather. Somewhere, under the morning skies. Buds and blossoms make haste to grow; Roses blushing in crimson dyes. Fair white lilies with hearts of snow. Blithe little heart, let us sing together; Somewhere, always, is summer weather. Somewhere, under the sedges green. Birds are brooding their callow young; Dearer nestlings were never seen. Gladder carols were never sung. Blithe little heart, let us sing together; Somewhere, always, is summer weather. Hasten, snow of the apple trees; Hasten, violets white and blue; Hasten, breath of the balmy breeze; Here is a blossom that waits for you! Blithe little heart, let us sing together; Somewhere, always, is summer weather. i6 SONGS FROM THE NEST. Mitv picture* That’s my baby: just that way Curls the soft hair on her brow; I can feel its silken touch Thrilling through my fingers now. Strangers, though, must need be told How the ripples shine like gold. That’s her cheek — its very curve; Can you guess its rose-leaf glow? And the dimple’s merry play As the quick smiles come and go? And her laughter, low and clear. Like a bird’s note thrilling near? That’s her mouth; but one should know How her breath comes warm and sweety And the little cooing sounds That her soft, red lips repeat. And the ecstasy of bliss In her light, uncertain kiss. One should watch when slumber steals O’er those wondrous deeps of blue; One should see how morning brings Life’s great miracle anew, — Just as if her dreaming eyes Looked but now on Paradise. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 17 Ah, my loving, human soul, Fluttering near me, soaring far! Sweet elusive, changeful thing. Who can paint you as you are? Only love, whose matchless art Paints you hourly on her heart! i8 SONGS FROM THE NEST Oh, what can we do for the baby, To make her a birthday rare? She came in the wintry weather. When all the orchards were bare. m There is not a leaf in the garden. And never a bird will sing. And all in a row, from the branches. The sharp little icicles swing. Oh, nothing at all cares baby! Her world is as warm as a nest; And the song that her mother sings her Is the music she loves best. She laughs to hear at the casement The bleak winds bluster and blow. And the sharp little icicles swing and ring Like crystal bells in a row. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 19 Sweetheart, thou hast no name, Only such tender words as love can frame; Christened anew with kisses every hour, — Our pearl! our dove! our flower! So we have come today, A name in blessing on thy brow to lay. Wreathing the font with buds of palest dyes. And violets, like thine eyes. Oh, child, we cannot see All that the coming years may bring to thee; If on thy path the dews drop cool and sweet. Or thorns shall bruise thy feet. And if our love could choose Life’s sweetest gifts, and all its ill refuse. Perchance the treasures we should deem the best Would fill thee with unrest. So we who love thee, dear. Lift empty hands to One who waiteth near. Saying, “In life or death. Thy will be done; Bless Thou the little one!” 20 SONGS FROM THE NEST. ^Ut ol the Host* Out on the porch, by the open door, Sweet with roses and cool with shade Baby is creeping over the floor — Dear little winsome blue-eyed maid! All about her the shadows dance, All above her the roses swing; Sunbeams in at the lattice glance, Robins up in the branches sing. Up at the blossoms her fingers reach, Pleading sweeter than any words; Cooing away, in her baby speech, Sounds like the twit.ter of nestling birds. Creeping, creeping over the floor. Soon my birdie will find her wings. Fluttering out at the open door. Into the wonderful world of things: Bloom of roses and balm of dew. Brooks that babble and birds that call, All things lovely and glad and new. And the Father watching us over it all! SONGS FROM THE NEST. 21 Asleep. Hush! in tender dreams he lies, All the world forgetting; Slumber veileth from his eyes Longing and regretting! Idle hands above his breast Reach no more for pleasures; Light as drifted blooms they rest Emptied of their treasures. Soft he sleeps! no longer mine, Though 1 watch beside him; In his slumbers, half divine. Holy angels guide him. Baby, while the shadows creep, Slumber on thy pillow. Like a lily rocked to sleep On the swaying billow. When the rosy morning gleams. From thy visions breaking. Leave the happy land of dreams, Mine again in waking. 22 SONGS FROM THE NEST. Counting ff|c Coes* Dear little bare feet, Dimpled and white, In your long nightgown Wrapped for the night. Come, let me count all Your queer little toes. Pink as the heart of A shell, or a rose. 07 te is a lady That sits in the sun. Two is a baby. And three is a nun; Four is a lily With innocent breast, And five is a birdie Asleep on her nest. SONGS FROM THE NEST, 23 Soft little feet! all Your dimples I know. Over and over I’ve counted them so; Baby, my darling, If mother could choose. Nothing should ever Their tenderness bruise. Six is a horseman A-riding with speed. Seven is his footman. And eight is his steed; Nine is the mother So graceful and tall. And ten is her wee one. The darling of all. Over your eyes drop The curtains so white; Dear little bare feet. Rest till the light! 24 SONGS FROM THE NEST. Babu ^ritfxmetic. Rosebud, dainty and fair to see, Fiower of the whole round world to me. Come this way on your dancing feet; Say, how much do you love me. Sweet? Red little mouth drawn gravely down. White brow wearing a puzzled frown. Wise little baby Rose is she. Trying to measure her love for me. “I love you all the day and the night. All the dark and the sunshine bright. All the candy in every store. All my dollars, and more and more. “ 1 love you farther than birdies go. And faster than ever the wind can blow; Over the tops of the mountains high. All round the world — way up to the sky^ SONGS FROM THE NEST. 25 Softly down the happy valley Fades the lingering summer day; On the hills its latest blushes Die in rosy gleams away. Bird and bee and blossom bright Whisper low a sweet good-night! Swallows to the steeples flying, Sweep with silent wing along, And the bees are trooping homeward • With a dull and drowsy song. Bird and bee and blossom bright Whisper low a sweet good-night! Starry eyes! above your brightness I can see the shadows creep; Tender brow! across your whiteness Falls the dusky wing of sleep. Bird and bee and blossom bright Whisper low a sweet good-nightl 26 SONGS FROM THE NEST. Floating through the twilight, Dropping softly down, Fall the fleecy snowflakes On the meadows brown. Birdie at the window. Looks with laughing eyes. Full of baby wonder. Full of strange surprise. Only one sweet summer Birdie has been here; Did you know that winter Kills the roses, dear? Darling little Birdie! Nothing can she know Of the summer glories Flidden by the snow. Still the heaven she came from Smiles upon her dreams. With its fadeless blossoms And its cloudless gleams. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 27 ^ Valentine* Here’s to my little maid Whom I love well; All her sweet, winsome ways I cannot tell; New graces she puts on Each day and hour; She grows within my heart — My precious flower! Here’s to my little maid Who loves me well; All my fond thoughts for her No tongue can tell. 1 am her sweetheart true, And she is mine; She is the girl I choose My Valentine. 28 SONGS FROM THE NEST, Cradle Cime^ Come hither, my baby, my darling. My lily, my wonderful rose! The white-bosomed flowers in the garden Begin their soft petals to close. The bees have gone home from the clover. The swallows are under the eaves. The whip-poor-will calls from the orchard. Safe hid in the dusk of the leaves. ^ Come, baby, my beauty, my darling; Your eyes they are heavy with sleep; Your little red mouth has grown silent. And scarcely its laughter can keep. Lay off the white robe from your shoulders. Unclasp the small shoes from your feet; O daintiest blossom of Eden, 1 kiss you, my lily, my sweet. Do you feel the cool wind coming softly, And see the young moon in the sky? The clouds sailing over the sunset. The bats flitting silently by? Do you hear how the cattle are lowing Along the green lane by the hill ? And the brook running over the pebbles . With music that never is still? SONGS FROM THE NEST. 29 Now hush! while I sing to you, baby, A song of the angels above. That come on invisible pinions To watch o’er the children they love. So all through your beautiful dreaming The voice of your mother shall creep. Lest, hearing the harpings celestial, Your soul should fly homeward in sleep. 30 SONGS FROM THE NEST. « 3Emptg A home in a quiet country place, Under the shadow of branches wide; And a fair young mother with thoughtful face, Sewing a seam by the window side. The sunshine stretches across the floor, . The bright motes dance in its golden way, And in and out, at the open door. The children run in their busy play. Guiding her needle with careless skill. Her fingers fashion the garment white; But weaving a fabric daintier still. Her swift thoughts follow the needle’s flight. Her heart lies hushed in her deep content. Her lips are humming an old love lay; And still, with its music softly blent. She hears what the eager children say: “We found it under the apple tree, — A poor little empty yellowbird’s nest; See, it is round as a cup could be. And lined with down from the mother’s breast. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 31 “This is a leaf, all withered and dry, That once was a canopy overhead; Doesn’t it almost make you cry To look at the dear little empty bed? “All the birdies have flown away; But birds must fly, or they wouldn’t have wings; And the mother knew they would go some day, When she used to cuddle the downy things. “Do you think she is lonesome? Why, there’s a tear! And here is another — that makes two. Why do you hug us, and look so queer? If we were birdies we wouldn’t leave Deep in the mother’s listening heart Drops the prattle with sudden sting; For lips may quiver, and tears may start. But birds jnust fly, or they wouldn't have wings. 32 SONGS FROM THE NEST. 3ni| (Sood^for-notl^ing, What are you good for, my brave little man ? Answer that question for me if you cano You, with your ringlets as bright as the sun. You, with your fingers as white as a nun. All the day long, with your busy contriving, Into all mischief and fun you are driving; See if your wise little noddle can tell What you are good for; now ponder it well. Over the carpet the dear little feet Came with a patter, to climb on my seat. Two merry eyes, full of frolic and glee, Under their lashes looked up unto me; Two dimpled hands, pressing soft on my face, Drew me down close in a loving embrace; Two rosy lips gave the answer so true; “Good to love you, mamma, good to love you.” SONGS FROM THE NEST, 33 3!nto In dusky shadows, cold and gray, Dies slowly out the dreary day; And faintly shining through the room, The firelight scatters all the gloom. Upon the rug before the grate. With glowing cheeks the children wait, And stretch their rosy, dimpled feet To feel the embers’ steady heat. O happy hearts, whose thought portrays Such wondrous pictures in the blaze! A fairy land, whose gleaming sod No mortal foot has ever trod. In the soft hush of radiant dreams Your feet may find those singing streams. Those skies with sunshine always bright — Dear, dreaming eyes! a sweet good-night. 34 SONGS FROM THE NEST, Little one, here in the twilight, Nestled against my heart, With wondering eyes uplifted, And questioning lips apart, Surely a sweeter wisdom Than old philosophers teach Lies in the childish fancies Dropped from your silver speech! “I see a beautiful angel With wings and a shining dress; He’s flying away from the sundown To light up the stars, I guess. The robin up in the tree top Is trying to sing his prayer; If I should sing ‘Now I lay me’ Do you think that the Lord would care? “If I were away up yonder. Close by that twinkling star, Do you think you could see me, mamma, And I could see you, so far? If no one has been to heaven, I don’t see how they can tell; But little girls might get lonesome Who don’t know God very well. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 35 “Just see how the stars are winking, And the moon is nodding her head; At night, when there’s nobody looking. Does she creep in a cloud to bed? Now sing me about the mother Shaking the dreamland tree; I’ll open my eyes and tell you If a little dream falls for me.” 36 SONGS FROM THE NEST. 'Sip the Slockitts* Hang up the baby’s stocking; Be sure that you don’t forget; The dear little dimpled darling! She never saw Christmas yet. But I’ve told her all about it; And she opened her big blue eyes, And I’m sure that she understood me, She looked so funny and wise. Dear, dear! what a tiny stocking! It doesn’t take much to hold Such little pink toes as baby’s Away from the frost and cold; But then, for the baby’s Christmas It never would do at all. Why, Santa Claus wouldn’t be looking For anything half so small. I know what we’ll do for the baby; I’ve thought of the very best plan: I’ll borrow a stocking of grandma, — The longest that ever I can, — And you’ll hang it by mine, dear mamma, Right here in the corner — so; And write a letter to Santa And fasten it onto the toe. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 37 Write, '^This is the baby s stocking, That hangs in the cor7ier here ; You never have seen her, Santa, For she 07ily ca7ne this year ; But she's just the darlingest baby / A7id now, before you go, Just cra77i her stocking with goodies, Fro7H the top clear down to the toed 38 SONGS FROM THE NEST. Where are you going, dear little feet? Restless, pattering things! Bearing your burden soft and sweet. Swift as the swallow’s wings. What are you doing, dear little hands? Busy from morn till night; Building your castles on the sands. Gathering blossoms bright. What are you saying, dear little tongue? Chattering all day long; Words that the wild birds teach their young, Sweeter than speech or song. What are you seeking, questioning eyes? Gazing away to the west; Watching the rosy sunset skies. When day is sinking to rest. Ah, little pilgrim, tender and true, Wonderful quest is yours! Life must be sweet when life is new, Long as the world endures. . SONGS FROM THE NEST. 39 mu aCaddic, My bonny, yellow-haired laddie Is sailing his boats by the shore; And never such wonderful cargoes Went over the water before. And always the sun is shining, And always the tide it flows, To bear them away from the harbor, To a land that my sailor knows. My laddie! my bonny laddie! There’s a ship coming over the sea, Her sails in the light wind shifting. To bear you away from me — Away from the quiet harbor. Where soft waves ripple and swell; And what may lie on her outward track There is not a chart to tell. My laddie! my own dear laddie! My heart is heavy today To think of the wide, wide waters, And the ships that have gone astray. 40 SONGS FROM THE NEST For how shall 1 smile at morning, Or how shall I sleep at night, And miss the sound of your laughter. The glint of your locks so bright? But if, from a stormy voyage. Broken with wind and wrack. To the port she left with the flowing tide, Your ship beats wearily back; Though her decks are swept by tempests, And her sails hang rent above. She will bear one treasure safely,— The wealth of a mother’s love. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 41 ^ CltUd's 3Fancij» Rosebud lay in her trundle-bed, With her small hands folded above her head, And fixed her innocent eyes on me. While a thoughtful shadow came over their glee. “Mamma,” she said, “when I go to sleep, I pray to the Father my soul to keep; And He comes and carries it far away. To the beautiful home where His angels stay. “I gather red roses, and lilies white; I sing with the angels through all the night; And when, in the morning, I wake from my sleep. He gives back the soul that I gave Him to keep; And I only remember, like beautiful dreams. The garlands of lilies, the wonderful streams.” SONGS FROM THE NEST, li'uto ^cars One — two — my little maiden Sitting in the sun, With your blue eyes full of wonder, Life is just begun! One — two — you cannot count it On your fingers white; Sum of all your earthly being. Sorrow, and delight! One — two — my little maiden. If the sum shall grow Here on earth or there in heaven. Only One can know! :>ONGS FROM THE NEST. 43 SHii (Oucctt, What shall the New Year bring you, Dear little baby Nell ? Choose from his gifts and treasures Something to please you well: Gems for your brow so tender, Rings for your fingers white. Robes for your dainty wearing, Rich and costly and bright? Dear little laughing Nellie Looks in my eyes with glee; Nothing she cares for jewels; Queen of my heart is she! Nothing she cares for raiment Rich and costly and rare; Close in my arms 1 fold her. Kissing her shining hair. Year after year shall bring her Treasures of love untold. And the bud shall grow to a blossom, As the New Years follow the Old. 44 SONGS FROM THE NEST. 3tlarcft Listen, Kitty, my darling! Here by the fireside bright; Do you know what the winds are saying Abroad in the gusty night? Moaning under the windows. Tossing the scurrying leaves. Making the maples shiver And creak at the cottage eaves? Listen, Kitty, my darling! The winds are singing a song Of the spring that is softly stealing From summer lands along. The snowdrops smile as they hear it, A smile for the spring’s sweet sake; And the shy little violets whisper, ‘‘We hear! we are broad awake!” No matter, Kitty, my darling. Though March winds drearily blow, 1 am sure that the daisies are stirring In their beds down under the snow. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 45 In spitfe of the blustering weather, The crocus is budding again; And the daffodils whisper together, ’ And wait for the April rain. 46 SONGS FROM THE NEST. ^pril Spools* Shy little pansies Tucked away to sleep, Wrapped in brown blankets Piled close and deep, Heard in a daydream A bird singing clear: “Wake, little sweethearts! The springtime is here!” Glad little pansies. Stirring from their sleep. Shook the brown blankets Off for a peep; Put on their velvet hoods. Purple and gold, And stood all a-tremble. Abroad in the cold. Snowflakes were flying. Skies were grim and gray, Bluebird and robin Had scurried away. Only the cruel wind Laughed, as it said, “ Poor little April fools! Hurry back to bed!” SONGS FROM THE NEST. 47 Soft chins a-quiver, Dark eyes full of tears — Brave little pansies, Spite of their fears, Said, “ Let us wait for The sunshiny weather; Take hold of hands, dears. And cuddle close together.” 48 SONGS FROM THE NEST. 'STftc 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 be 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 springtime is here. Little white snowdrop! i pray you arise; Bright yellow crocus! come, open your eyes; Daffodils! daffodils! say, do you hear? Summer is coming, and springtime is here! SOJVGS FROM THE NEST. 49 Oh, Nellie, with your little feet Among the clovers straying! You watch across the meadows sweet The yellow sunshine playing! Then come with me where woods are green. And merry waters glide between. And you shall be my bonny queen. While we go gayly Maying. Oh, Nellie, with your eyes that see A world of summer gladness! Where all the songs are full of glee. Without a note of sadness. Today, with heart as light as thine, 1 take thy little hand in mine. And taste again youth’s golden wine As we go gayly Maying. Oh, Nellie, with your heart that keeps Its blessed childhood holy. And learns from nature lessons deep, With rev’rence sweet and lowly! Let those who will, be sad and say This life is but a changeful day; We’ll treasure every golden ray As we go gayly Maying. 50 SONGS FROM THE NEST. Stigftt Heart* When willows wear their robes of green, When meadow-sweet is springing, When winds that run along the slopes Set all the bluebells swinging,— Then to hail the gladsome weather. Sing my heart and I together: “Clouds may hide the radiant skies. Yet the sunshine never dies!” When woodlands hide their waxen blooms — The dearer for their fleetness — And orchards breathe their rare perfumes. To lade the air with sweetness, — Then to hail the gladsome weather. Sing my heart and I together: “Clouds may hide the radiant skies. Yet the sunshine never dies!” Sometimes the storm is dark above. Sometimes the rain is chilling; And not a bird in all the tree His merry note is trilling; Yet in spite of dreary weather. Sing my heart and I together: “Clouds may hide the radiant skies, Yet the sunshine never dies!” SONGS FROM THE NEST. 51 On the windy hillsides Daisies whitely blow, While above them softly Shade and sunshine go. Birds their young are brooding In the orchard trees; In the fields of clover Hum the drowsy bees. Through the tender grasses Barefoot children run, Fanned by summer breezes. Kissed by summer’s sun; All their pulses throbbing To one blissful tune. All their days at dawning. All their months are June! 52 SONGS FROM THE NEST. Iirfte Btotallotos. The robin may warble his merriest tune, The leaves may be green on the tree, But the blithe little swallow will wait for the June; For the bird of the summer is he. As swift as the light he is flashing along. High up in the glimmering blue; Then low at my feet, where the blossoms are sweet. And the meadows are sparkling with dew. Oh, gay little rover! no shadow of fear. No care for the morrow, have you; You pass from our skies ere the autumn is here. To the land where the summer is new. Say, how do you know when the skies are aglow. And the wind blowing soft through the leaves? Who shows you the way, through the night and the day. To your home by the sheltering eaves? SONGS FROM THE NEST. 53 The robin may warble his merriest tune, The leaves may be green on the tree; But the blithe little swallow will wait for the June; For the bird of the summer is he. 54 SONGS FROM THE NEST. O Robin, singing in the tree, While fades the daylight slowly. Your vesper hymn floats down to me Through twilight shadows holy. The skies have caught a beauty new; A softer light has touched their blue. And evening’s star is trembling through, To watch while earth is sleeping. 0 Robin, hush! till golden rays Shall light the radiant -morrow, 1 sleep to dream of happy days. Without a fear of sorrow. For while I sleep my Father wakes; His hand my sure protection makes; His tender mercy ne’er forsakes. Its watch above me keeping. SONGS FROM THE NEST. 55 •STIxis Sons of fife Crfckefs* Under the grass, in the bright summer weather. We little crickets live gayly together; When the morn shines, and the dew brightly glistens. All the night long you may hear if you listen — “Cheep! cheep! cheep!” We are the crickets that sing you to sleep. We have no houses to store up our treasure. Gay little minstrels, we live but for pleasure; What shall we do when the summer is over.^^ When the keen frost nips the meadows of clover? Cheep! cheep! cheep! Under the hearthstone for shelter we creep. Then when the firelight is dancing and glow- ing. Nothing we’ll care how the winter is blowing; Down in our snug little cells we will sing you Songs of the brightness the summer will bring you. Cheep! cheep! cheep! Summer is coming, though snows may be deep. SONGS FROM THE NEST. ^ 3Uomins JSong- Have you heard the waters singing, Little May, Where the willows green are leaning O’er their way ? Do you know how low and sweet O’er the pebbles at their feet Are the words the waves repeat Night and day ? Have you heard the robins singing, Little one, When the rosy day is breaking — When ’tis done ? Have you heard the wooing breeze In the blossomed orchard trees. And the drowsy hum of bees In the sun ? All the earth is full of music. Little May! Bird and bee and water singing On its way. Let their silver voices fall On thy heart with happy call, — “Praise the Lord! who loveth all, Night and day.” SOiVGS FROM THE NEST. 57