THE SNOW-FLAKE.

IT was a little snow-flake

With tiny winglets furled; Its warm cloud-mother held it fast Above the sleeping world. All night the wild winds blustered And blew o'er land and sea, But the little snow-flake cuddled close, As safe as safe could be.

Then came the cold, gray morning,

And the great cloud-mother said, "Now every little snow-flake

Must proudly lift its head,

And through the air go sailing,
Till it finds a place to alight,

For I must weave a coverlet

To clothe the world in white."

The little snow-flake fluttered
And gave a wee, wee sigh,
But fifty million other flakes
Came softly floating by.

242

Child-Song.

And the wise cloud-mothers sent them

To keep the world's breast warm,
Through many a winter sunset,

And many a night of storm.

MARGARET E. SANGSTER.

BUTTERCUPS AND DAISIES.

BUTTERCUPS and Daisies,

Oh! the pretty flowers! Coming ere the spring-time, To tell of sunny hours. While the trees are leafless, While the fields are bare,

Buttercups and Daisies

Spring up everywhere.

Little hardy flowers,

Like to children poor, Playing in their sturdy health,

By their mother's door;
Purple with the north wind,
Yet alert and bold,

Fearing not, and caring not,
Though they be a-cold.

What to them is weather?

What are stormy showers? Buttercups and Daisies,

244

Child-Song.

Are these human flowers?

He who gave them hardship,

And a life of care,

Gave them, likewise, hardy strength,

And patient hearts to bear!

Welcome, yellow Buttercups!
Welcome, Daisies white!
Ye are in my spirit
Visioned, a delight!
Coming ere the spring-time
Of sunny hours to tell ;~
Speaking to our hearts of Him
Who doeth all things well.

MARY HOWITT.