Just such is the Christian. His course he begins, Like the sun in the mist, when he mourns for his sins, And melts into tears; then he breaks out and shines, And travels his heavenly way: But when he comes nearer to finish his race Like a fine setting sun, he looks richer in grace, And gives a sure hope, at the end of his days, Of rising in brighter array. --_Isaac Watts_. {347}{348} [Illustration] THE PITTI MADONNA By Murillo (1618-1682) "The Pitti Madonna is one of this sweet company, and perhaps the loveliest of them all. Both she and her beautiful boy are full of gentle earnestness, and if they are too simple-minded to realize what is in store for them, they are none the less ready to do the Father's will."--_Hurll_ [End illustration] {349} SUMMER The heats of Summer come hastily on, The fruits are transparent and clear; The buds and the blossoms of April are gone, And the deep colored cherries appear. The blue sky above us is bright and serene, No cloud on its bosom remains; The woods and the fields and the hedges are green, And the haycock smells sweet from the plains. But, hark! from the woodlands what sound do I hear? The voices of pleasure so gay; The merry young haymakers cheerfully bear The heat of the hot summer's day. While some with bright scythe, singing shrill to the tone, The tall grass and buttercups mow, Some spread it with rakes, and by others 't is thrown Into sweet smelling cocks in a row. Then since joy and glee with activity join, This moment to labor I'll rise; While the idle love best in the shade to recline, And waste precious time as it flies. --_Jane Taylor_, {350} [Illustration] Music for "The Star" [End illustration] {351} THE STAR Twinkle, twinkle, little star How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then the traveler in the dark Thanks you for your tiny spark. He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so. In the dark blue sky you keep, And often through my curtains peep; For you never shut your eye Till the sun is in the sky. As your bright and tiny spark Lights the traveler in the dark, Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star. --_Jane Taylor_. {352} THE FLOWER AND THE LADY, ABOUT GETTING UP Pretty flower, tell me why All your leaves do open wide, Every morning, when on high The noble sun begins to ride. This is why, my lady fair, If you would the reason know, For betimes the pleasant air Very cheerfully doth blow.