LITTLE LILLIE. "I HAVE been to school, father, and tried to be good; And when I came home, as I walk'd through the wood, I saw on the tree a most beautiful bird, And his song was the sweetest that ever I heard. He look'd in my face with his little round eye; And father, the air was so fresh and so sweet, That I wanted to stay there a great many hours. But I thought it was wrong any longer to stay, And I work'd in my garden, and planted some seeds, ; I am sure she will tell you that I have been good." "I am glad, little Lillie," the father replied, As he kiss'd his dear girl, "I'm glad you have tried And sit by my side or climb on my knee; "And I'll tell you why all look'd so happy and gay, And why the glad song of that beautiful bird 'The Lord keeps around us, by day and by night, "For the good thoughts and feelings which they will impart, When you try to do right, will gladden your heart; As you walk'd home from school through the greenwood to-day." THE LITTLE GIRL'S ADDRESS TO THE RIVER. GENTLE river, gentle river! Tell us, whither do you glide, Through the green and sunny meadows, You for many a mile must wander, Gentle river, gentle river! Oh, how happy you must be! G Tell us, if you can remember, Where your happy life began; When at first, from some high mountain, Like a silver thread you ran. Say, how many little streamlets Gave their mite your depth to swell; Coming each from different sources, Had they each a tale to tell? When a playful brook you gamboll❜d, And the sunshine o'er you smiled, On your banks did children loiter, Looking for the spring-flowers wild? Gentle river, gentle river, Do hear a word we say? you I am sure you ought to love us, Oh! I pray you, wait a moment, To a darling little cousin We should dearly love to see. You will know her, if you see her, She's a pretty, playful creature, Light of heart, and footsteps too: I am sure you must have seen her, For she often speaks of you. Oh, do tell her, gentle river, That we think of her each day; That we have not ceased to miss her, Ever since she went away. Say to her, that brother Willie, Tell her, too, that mother wishes She could hear her voice once more, See her eyes, as bright as sunshine, Peeping at the parlour-door. Say we will a token send her, Which upon thy waves we'll fling; Flowers from out our little garden, Fragrant with the breath of spring. Gentle river, gentle river! Though you stop not to reply, Yet you seem to smile upon us As you quickly pass us by. |