I30 THE APIARY. 



And yet what ardent longing 



I feel, O Spring, for thee ! 

 My darlings' gleesome frolics 



Are happiness to me ! 



How would this anxious longing 



Consume my very breast. 

 But for a little being 



So full of love and jest. 



In heat or cold that prattles 



Around me ev'ry day. 

 And still, the throes of longing 



By commune blithe and gay. 



Ye bee-keepers can value 



A joy that is complete j 

 It is my wife — the darling 



Whose lips are honey-sweet 



With e'en the richest bee-stand 

 Were joy and pleasure gone. 



If my heart's queen were wanting 

 And I left here alone. 



Thus, her I love and honour. 



No difference have we. 

 But ofttimes go together 



Our little pets to see. 



Her kisses sweet removing 



All sorrow from my breast. 

 And honied joys surrounding 



Proclaim us highly blest. 



Mount Radford, Exeter. T. W. Woodbury- 



