34 
NATURE NOTES. 
TO A GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 
Airy creature, restless sprite, 
Flashing like a beam of light, 
Stay a moment in thy flight. 
Come thou near me. 
Fluttering from spray to spray, 
Darting quick upon thy prey. 
Prithee for a moment stay. 
Dost thou fear me ? 
Patiently I follow thee. 
Watch thy motions light and free. 
Ever disappointing me, 
Teasing fairy ; 
Like an acrobat thou art. 
Playing thy appointed part. 
Here and there with nimble dart. 
Quick and wary. 
Now a moment dost thou rest, 
I can see thy golden crest. 
Quick bright eye and downy breast ; 
Doth aught alarm thee ? 
Ah ! what enemy is near ? 
Tremblest thou with sudden fear ? 
Courage take ! while I am here 
None shall harm thee. 
Who in cruel wanton sport 
Would thy joyous life cut short. 
Or for want of loving thought, 
Would not shield thee ? 
Rather do thy wondrous ways 
Thoughts of admiration raise. 
And to thy Creator, praise 
Thankful yield we. 
Who has given to our care 
Countless beings, bright and fair, 
Who with us His bounty share. 
In wilful blindness 
Shall we His great trust abuse. 
And His gracious gifts refuse. 
Nor towards His creatures use 
Loving kindness ? 
Mary C. Walton. 
