_In Hindustan's dense forest-depths, Among the tangled groves, With slender limbs but powerful frame The shapely Nylghau roves._ [Illustration] O--THE OSTRICH. _O'er desert sands the Ostrich skims, Beneath a burning sky; Swift as the swiftest horse he runs, But has no wings to fly._ [Illustration] SPRING. When Spring's soft breath sets free the rills, And melts the Winter's hoards of snow, How fast they leap adown the hills, How wildly t'wards old ocean flow! Jack Frost! we gladly part with thee, For long indeed thy iron hand Hath crushed the flowers relentlessly That longed to brighten all the land. And now the busy plow can trace Its furrows through the fallow ground, While countless lovely blossoms grace The blooming fruit trees all around. Yet though the snow amidst the brook Is gliding fast--it fain would stay, And as it takes a lingering look, Says:--"Listen ere I flow away! "Soon as Spring spoke its royal word, I humbly doffed my wintry cap-- But when the north wind's voice was heard, I covered up the earth's green lap. "And gently swathed each baby flower, As snug as in a feather bed-- Until in field, and wood, and bower, Their fragrance might be safely shed. "And now my snowdrops gaily ring A merry peal to herald May-- And all rejoice at coming Spring, While I must hasten far away!" [Illustration] SUMMER. Now the corn has grown ripe in the Summer's hot days, And the reaping began with the sun's early rays, Mike and Jack since the morn, Have been cutting the corn, Which is bound up by Peggy and Sue; And gay, flaunting poppies and flow'rets of blue Wag their heads o'er the sheaves and seem nodding at you. But when noon's sultry hour proves oppressively hot, The reapers look out for a cool, shady spot, And a respite they snatch, Their short meal to dispatch, And well earned indeed is their rest! While the children give chase to the hare that's hard prest, Or the bird by the harvest disturbed from her nest. For what care the children for heat or for work, At that age when all labor so gaily we shirk? Play, then, little ones, play, And enjoy while ye may, But to all of God's creatures be kind-- Then when months have rolled by and left Summer behind, Its joys unalloyed shall still dwell in your mind. TIMOTHY.