OUR FRIENDS, THE BIRDS. 85 
The girls recited in concert the following lines by 
Bryant: 
Upon the apple-tree where rosy buds 
Stood clustered, ready to burst forth in bloom, 
The Robin warbled forth his full, clear note 
For hours, and wearied not. 
And the boys these by Lowell: 
The sight of thee calls back the Robin’s song 
Who from the dark old tree 
Beside the door, sang clearly all day long, 
And I, secure in childish piety, 
Listened as if I heard an angel sing 
With news from Heaven, which he did bring 
Fresh every day to my untainted ears, 
When birds and flowers and I were happy peers. 
Miss Sweet said she enjoyed Charles H. Luder’s 
verses, which she recited: 
In country lanes the Robins sing, 
Clear-throated, joyous, swift of wing. 
From misty dawn to dewy eve 
(Though cares of nesting vex and grieve) 
Their little heart-bells ring and ring. 
And when the roses say to Spring 
‘« Your reign is o’er,’”’ when breezes bring 
The scent of spray that lovers weave 
In country lanes. 
