As well as June; and sprinkled o'er with spices

From beds of pinks and poppies in a row?

Perhaps like them; or, maybe 'twould be sweeter,

My little song, and prettier sound to you,

If I should make it make you think of lilies—

For midsummer has always lilies too.

Around the meadow-sweet the bees they cluster

So thick the children pick it not for fear—

Like meadow-sweet and bees, if I could make it,

A pretty little song 'twould be to hear!