ii8 



THE SWALLOW 



coming of the swallows ; and they ask the 

 bird to tell them where and how she has 

 passed the time since her departure : — 



March has come ! It fills the air ! 

 Rejoice, ye birds and hills and flowers! 

 And tell us, swallows, of the hours 

 That you have passed, and where. 



Then, after the manner of children, they 

 beg to know what she has 

 brought them from afar; 

 and the bird answers that 't:> 



she has 

 brought them, 

 besides the 

 health and 

 joy of 



