| THE VIOLET |
Down in a green and shady bed A modest violet grew; Its stalk was bent, it hung its head, As if to hide from view. And yet it was a lovely flower, Its colors bright and fair. It might have graced a rosy bower, Instead of hiding there. Yet there it was content to bloom, In modest tints arrayed; And there diffused its sweet perfume, Within the silent shade. Then let me to the valley go, This pretty flower to see, That I may also learn to grow In sweet humility. |
| --Jane Taylor. |
SHEEP
By Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899)
One of the most famous artists of the world, born at Bordeaux, France, March 22, 1822, died 1899. Her best known pictures are the "Horse Fair" and "Tillage in Nivernais." During the siege of Paris her studio was saved by the special order of the crown prince of Prussia. She received the cross of the Legion of Honor in 1865
| MAY DAY SONG |
April's gone, the king of showers; May is come, the queen of flowers; Give me something, gentles dear, For a blessing on the year. For my garland give, I pray, Words and smiles of cheerful May: Birds of spring, to you we come, Let us pick a little crumb. |
| --John Keble. |