And look so glad and gay;
I love to hear their pleasant song,
I feel as glad as they.

"The young lambs bleat and frisk about,
The bees hum round their hive,
The butterflies are coming out,--
'Tis good to be alive.

"The trees, that looked so stiff and gray,
With green wreaths now are hung;
O mother! let me laugh and play,
I cannot hold my tongue.

"See yonder bird spread out his wings,
And mount the clear blue skies;
And hark! how merrily he sings,
As far away he flies."

[Illustration]

"Go forth, my child, and laugh and play,
And let your cheerful voice,
With birds, and brooks, and merry May,
Cry aloud, Rejoice! rejoice!

[Illustration]

"I would not check your bounding mirth,
My little happy boy,