Hy a leattt-ss wood 



An old alder >it<>oil. 

 Its cone-tufted branches f;ray and cohl. 



Till the breath of sjn-in^ 



Did over them Hing 

 Soft lirown catkins j)o\vder«'d witli uold. 



The young sisters neat. 



("lose at their feet. 

 Sat tnodest. unheeded, and small. 



While tossing his head. 



A gay catkin said. 

 "I am noticed and ])rized l)y all. ' 



Alas, for his pride! 



Tis soon cast aside - 

 I'oor and plain in the dust he hiiles: 



While cone sister grew. 



And unceasingly true. 

 Through the long changing year abides. 



