ii6 KITTENHOOD. 



sweet stocks and the damask-coloured gilly-flowers, the 

 pink daisies, brown, red, and orange wallflowers, the spice- 

 scented pinks, and other gay and modest floral beauties that 

 make so sweet the soft and balmy breath of Spring. Out 

 into the sunshine, almost dazed amid a flood of light, 

 warmed by the glowing midday sun. Light above, light 

 around and everywhere about ; while the sweet-scented 

 breezes come joy-laden with the happy wild birds' melodious 

 songs ; wearied with wonderment, under the flower-crowned 

 lilacs they gather themselves to rest. How beautiful all 

 is, how full of young delights; the odorous wind fans, 

 soothes, and lulls them to rest, while rustling leaves softly 

 whisper them to sleep — they and their loving mother 

 slumber unconscious of all things, and with all things at 

 peace. There, stretched in the warm sunshine asleep, 

 possibly dreaming of their after-life when they are kittens 

 no longer, they rest and — sleep. 



Their young, bright life has begun ; how charming all is, 

 how peaceful under the young, green leaves, bright as 

 emeralds ; about them flickering, chequering lights play with 

 the never-wearying, restless shadows ; they know of nothing 

 but bliss, so happy, they enjoy all — sweet-faced, gentle-eyed 

 and pretty. Happy, there is no other word. "Happy as 

 a kitten." " Sprightly as a kitten." As they sleep they 

 dream of delight, awake they more than realise their dreams. 



