B

ETWEEN the berried holly-bush

The Blackbird whistled to the Thrush:

"Which way did bright-eyed Bella go?
Look, Speckle-breast, across the snow,--

Are those her dainty tracks I see,
That wind beside the shrubbery?"

The Throstle pecked the berries still.
"No need for looking, Yellow-bill;

Young Frank was there an hour ago,
Half frozen, waiting in the snow;

His callow beard was white with rime,

'Tchuck,-'tis a merry pairing-time!"

"What would you?" twittered in the Wren ;

"These are the reckless ways of men.

I watched them bill and coo as though

They thought the sign of Spring was snow;

If men but timed their loves as we,

"Twould save this inconsistency."

"Nay, Gossip," chirped the Robin, "nay;

I like their unreflective way.

Besides, I heard enough to show

Their love is proof against the snow :—

'Why wait,' he said, 'why wait for May, When love can warm a winter's day?'"