240 MAY 



THE LILAC 



lavender daintiest tinted syrup 

 caramel 



The sun shone warm, and the lilac said, 

 " I must hurry and get my table spread, 

 For if I am slow, and dinner late, 

 My friends, the bees, will have to wait." 



So delicate lavender glass she brought 

 And the daintiest china ever bought, 

 Purple tinted, and all complete ; 

 And she filled each cup with honey sweet. 



" Dinner is ready ! " the spring wind cried ; 

 And from hive and hiding far and wide, 

 While the lilac laughed to see them come, 

 The little gray-jacketed bees came hum-m I 



They sipped the syrup from every cell, 

 They nibbled at taffy and caramel ; 

 Then, without being asked, they all buzzed, " We 

 Will be very happy to stay to tea." 



CLARA DOTY BATES. 



