Short-lived as we are, yet our pleasures, we see,

Have a still shorter date, and die sooner than we.

Cowper.

IN THE ORCHARD.

Far down in the orchard I found her,

Her earnest eyes gazing aloft.

A baby hand waved me a warning,

A baby voice called to me—soft.

"Hush, mamma, don't frighten the birdies;

They're busy at work, don't you see?