A Riddle.
They were three robbers; aye,
And they robbed a red, red rose;
And they came from out the sky,
And they went where no man knows.
One came when the day was young,
And rent the curtain gray
Of mist that round her hung,
And he stole her pearls away;
One came when the day was old,
And a sable coat he wore,
And a belt of dusty gold,
And he robbed her treasure-store.
One came when the day was dead,
And no man saw him pass;
And he caught her petals red
And threw them upon the grass.
Three robbers bold were they,
And they robbed a red, red rose;
And they came and went away,
And whither—
no man knows.
Good·bye.
A Woodland Episode.
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA: Miss Bird, and Mrs. Chipmunk.
Scene: The woods. Time: Last November.
Miss Bird.—Why, Mrs. Chipmunk! how do you do?
Mrs. Chipmunk.— I’m quite well, thanks, Miss Bird; and you?
Miss B.—I’m sorry to say my health is poor,
So my doctor has ordered a southern tour.
Couldn’t you manage to come along?
It would do you good—
Mrs. C.— Yes, I’m far from strong,
And it’s just what I’d most like to do
If I’d only a pair of wings—
Miss B.— Pooh! Pooh!
There are trains for people who cannot fly.
Mrs. C.—Yes, but the fares are so dreadfully high!
So really I mustn’t think of that—
Miss B.—If only you’d wings like your cousin Bat.
Mrs. C.—If only! but then I haven’t, you see.
Besides, I’ve rented a hole in a tree,
On the first-floor branch just four trees west
Of the oak where you built your last year’s nest.
Miss B.—A charming neighborhood! just the thing
For a winter home—
Mrs. C.— Well, I hope, next spring,
When you’re here again, you will try to call.
Miss B.—You are very kind—
Mrs. C.— Oh, not at all!
Miss B.—Good-by, Mrs. Chipmunk.
Mrs. C.— Oh, must you fly?
Then, a pleasant journey!
Miss B.— Good-by!
Mrs. C.— Good-by!
