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."

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

"I would not check your bounding mirth,
My little happy boy,
For He who made this blooming earth
Smiles on an infant's joy."


GUESS WHAT I HAVE HEARD.

Dear mother, guess what I have heard!
O, it will soon be spring!
I'm sure it was a little bird,--
Mother, I heard him sing.

Look at this little piece of green
That peeps out from the snow,
As if it wanted to be seen,--
'Twill soon be spring, I know.