11. A LAUGHING CHORUS. 



OH, such a commotion under the ground 

 When March called, " Ho, there ! ho ! " 

 Such spreading of rootlets far and wide, 

 Such whispering to and fro. 

 And, "Are you ready?" the Snow-drop asked, 

 " 'T is time to start, you know." 

 " Almost, my dear," the Scilla replied ; 

 " I '11 follow as soon as you go." 

 Then " Ha ! ha ! ha ! " a chorus came 

 Of laughter soft and low 



From the millions of flowers under the ground 

 Yes millions beginning to grow. 



" I '11 promise my blossoms," the Crocus said, 



" When I hear the bluebirds sing." 



And straight thereafter, Narcissus cried, 



" My silver and gold I '11 bring." 



" And ere they are dulled," another spoke, 



" The Hyacinth bells shall ring," 



And the Violet only murmured, " I'm here," 



And sweet grew the air of spring. 



