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THE FOUNTAIN.

Majestic and graceful, it stands alone,

On that grassy hill, like a king on his throne;
And there will gay children meet and play,
On the brilliant eve of a summer's day,
And watch the clear water as it wells up,
Or bend o'er the spring with an acorn cup,
Wishing in vain to get more than a taste,
Of a draught so delicious, all running to waste.
In plenty the acorns are there to be found,
For under the tree they are strewed all around;
They are treasures of value both new and rare,
To the city child who may wander there.
And the children will twine the shining leaves
Of the towering oak, into graceful wreaths,
And make for the kindest and best a crown,
Then hasten away as the sun goes down.
And when at their homes, they earnestly think
Of the pleasure they had at the fountain's brink.

To what shall we liken this fountain free,

Ever flowing and flowing beneath the oak tree? O! is it not like to the heavenly love,

That cometh to us from the Fountain above?

THE FOUNTAIN.

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This fountain is one of the loveliest spots in the world. If there were Fairies in this country, - but who ever heard of an American Fairy?this would be the place, above all others, that they would choose for their nightly gambols. Cobweb, Peaseblossom, Mustardseed, and even Titania herself, would delight in it. The grass is greener than any other grass; and the water is sweeter than any other water; clear as crystal, ever boiling up from the sparkling bottom of bright sand. For this reason it is called the Boiling Spring. Two trouts were caught and placed in this spring several years ago, and they seem as contented and happy beneath the deep shadow of the oak as in their own hidden brook that winds through the forest. Pretty creatures! They could not have a more beautiful home.

THE SISTERS.

ALICE is a timid child,

Sweet, affectionate and mild,
Filled with love for all around;

Yet her lips express no sound.

She is gentle, pale and meek,

And she kindly loves to seek
That which will make others glad,
Though her own heart may be sad.
Strangers call her cold and dull,
Yet her heart is warm and full;
Strangers fill her timid soul
With a fear beyond control,
But to those who love her best
All her face in smiles is dressed.