ARBOR DA Y MANUAL. 



And, falling on my weary brain, 



Like a fast-falling shower, 

 The dreams of youth came back again, 

 Low lispings of the summer rain, 

 Dropping on the ripened grain 



As once upon the flower. 

 * * * * * 



LONGFELLOW. 



MAY. 



HAIL May ! with fair queen and May-pole, 

 Your sweet-scented garlands unroll, 

 Hail spring-time ! dear queen of the seasons, 

 You all of the others control. 



The crocuses dance first to meet you 



From the dazzle of snow's icy sheen : 



Then springs up the dainty arbutus 



From under its dead brown-leaf screen. 



And listen ! a sound of sweet music 

 Steals into the school-room to-day, 



'Tis the song of gay robin and blue-bird, 

 In the meadows and woodlands, away. 



But listen again ! happy children 



Are singing of spring, lovely spring ; 



Of all of her many bright blessings, 

 The beauty and joy she may bring. 



Now what can we do for our spring-time 

 That has been so kind to us all ; 



Who gives the earth all of her beauty 

 And music of birds great and small? 



We will be so kind to our playmates 



There will ne'er be heard cross word or cry; 



And to do the will of our teacher, 



And our heavenly Master, we'll try. 



Blessed be God for flowers ! 



For the bright, gentle, holy thoughts, that breathe 

 From out their odorous beauty, like a wreath 



Of sunshine on life's hours ! 



Mrs. CHARLES TINSLEY. 



