2rj)e lJ^uvi}inQtv of Spttns 39 



ness, but nowhere was he to be seen. 

 Yet still that slight song floated down the 

 crisp breath of morning like a benedic- 

 tion. *' Cheer-i-ly, cheer-i-ly, cheer-i-ly/' 



Then my eyes strayed up into the top 

 of the old elm, and I saw him, perched 

 upon the utmost twig, like the brave little 

 adventurer he is. 



How his bright blue coat glistened in 

 the sunlight and how his red vest flamed. 

 How slight a messenger he seemed for so 

 great a message. How far he had brought 

 these tidings of great joy, across frozen 

 fields, and bleak moors : ^' Spring is 

 coming ; be glad, better days are 

 near." 



How my eyes devoured him, as he 

 balanced himself nicely upon the very top 

 of the elm, and poured out his cheerful 

 news. He was the only bit of warmth 

 in the whole landscape that day, which 



