The tulips are hid ’neath a rug of soft white, They’re dreaming of spring, and the sun warm and bright. The rollicking lads, with the lassies in wake, Sweep by on their ice skates of old Friesian make, While the watchman calls out, with a voice like a bell, The time by the tower, and adds, “All is well.” In the land of the windmills, the stars one by one Slowly people the heavens, for night has begun. The rosy-cheeked babies, in nightcap and gown, Are asleep in their cradles with curtains hung down, While the watchman calls out with a voice like a bell, The time by the tower, and adds, “All is well.” —_Ella Broes van Heekeren._ He that complies against his will Is of the same opinion still. —_Samuel Butler._ IF I WERE A COBBLER. If I were a cobbler, I would make it my pride The best of all cobblers to be; If I were a tinker, no tinker beside Should mend an old kettle like me. THANKSGIVING DAY. [Illustration] Over the river and through the wood, To grandfather’s house we go; The horse knows the way To carry the sleigh Through the white and drifted snow. Over the river and through the wood— Oh, how the wind does blow! It stings the toes And bites the nose, As over the ground we go. Over the river and through the wood, To have a first-rate play. Hear the bells ring, “Ting-a-ling-ding!” Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day! Over the river and through the wood, Trot fast, my dapple-gray! Spring over the ground, Like a hunting hound! For this is Thanksgiving Day. Over the river and through the wood, And straight through the barn-yard gate. We seem to go Extremely slow— It is so hard to wait! Over the river and through the wood— Now grandmother’s cap I spy! Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done? Hurrah for the pumpkin pie! —_Lydia Maria Child._ HALLUCINATIONS. He thought he saw an Elephant, That practiced on a fife. He looked again, and found it was A letter from his wife. “At length I realize,” he said, “The bitterness of life!” He thought he saw a Buffalo, Upon the chimney piece. He looked again, and found it was His sister’s husband’s niece. “Unless you leave this house,” he said, “I’ll send for the police!” He thought he saw a Rattlesnake, That questioned him in Greek. He looked again, and found it was The middle of next week. “The one thing I regret,” he said, “Is that it cannot speak!”