An April Day Dream 13 



Dutch trader that passed down the Dela- 

 ware ; here, in the bright April sunshine, I 

 had but to raise my eyes to skies of marvel- 

 lous beauty. Surely there is cause for joy in 

 a cloud-flecked sky, and who lacks company 

 when with budding oaks ? 



Here, here ! called the ecstatic crested tit, 

 as if I had a thought of leaving such a pleasant 

 place. There are times when one can more 

 profitably curl up in a corner and indulge in 

 day-dreams than wander about; and this 

 nook, with its April sunshine, invited to 

 meditation. The mystery of the mosses, 

 the significance of the flowers, the change- 

 fulness of panoramic skies, and, back of all, 

 if we give up these problems in despair, the 

 suggestiveness of patriarchal oaks. I had no 

 need to be called back by that embodiment 

 of all birdly virtues, the crested tit, the bird 

 of all others that knows nothing of discour- 

 agement, and bids us keep in good heart un- 

 der the blackest skies. 



All that surrounds us speaks to us, but too 

 often in strange tongue. Patience is an ex- 

 cellent interpreter, but how seldom we wel- 

 come it. It were worthy of the day to read 

 the wrinkles of the gnarly oak ; but again 



