BETA

A thrush perches on a branch adorned with leaves and curls. 1/16 page.

II.—May.

The lilac is out, and the thrush on the spray1
Is telling the story of beautiful May ;2
The hawthorn sheds its sweet scent on the
breeze,3
And the wind is embracing the tall poplar-
trees.4
The birds in sweet chorus are singing a glee ;5
Wild-rose like a garden the hedge makes to be.6
The convolvulus trails its sweet wreaths over
all,7
While the sparrows are busy at each other’s
call.8
The wren on the roadside is active and glad ;9
The stock-dove is telling the joy that it had10
To its mate, when at morning it hurried to find11
The food that was most to her ladyship’s mind.12
The lizard is waking on hillside, in glade,13
To lie in the sun where a path has been made14
By the footsteps of rovers ; it loveth the sand15
When the sunshine glows warm all over the
land.16
The Maytime has come with its gladness and
flowers ;17
The hollies and ferns are making them bowers ;18
The lilac is out, and the thrush on the spray19
Is telling the story of beautiful May.20