THE NIGHTINGALE.
Sweet bird! that through the shadows
Of the night, so sad and lone,
Warblest thy notes of gladness,
With softly thrilling tone.
’Tis when the gloom is deepest,
And all is hushed in fear,
Save that night-winds are moaning
Through the stillness dark and drear;
’Tis then thy voice is sweetest,
And seems wafted from above,
As to the sad and sorrowing
Come words of hope and love.
Thou’rt heard within the casement,
Through the weary night of pain;
And thy warble is an earnest
That the day will come again.
Methinks thou art a spirit-bird,
Sent from a holier sphere;
Such spirits do not linger
Amidst the sorrowing here.
LEAP-FROG.
That’s right, Benny, go it strong,
Go it high, and go it long,
Swiftly run, and boldly leap,
Froggy Charles is quite a heap.
Charley Frog, now take your jump;
Benny, make yourself a lump;
’Tis a wholesome sport and rare—
Rest and toil an equal share.
Now you’re down, and now you’re up;
Now you leap, and now you stoop;
Now you rest, and now you run;
Any way, ’tis right good fun.