BOBOLINK AND CANARY. NEARLY two months ago we presented the "Bobolink and the Canary" to the "Church Union" children. Since then, a famous minister who loves the little folks has tried his hand at rhyme for their sakes, and sent us a sort of answer to the verses which we print again below. Having both of the poems, the children will get the whole story, and the precious lesson which so many old folks have learned "under the cross." T the window hangs Canary, AT Singer sweet and true; Bobolink, from out the hedge-row, He is singing too. Now his liquid notes Canary Pours like music rain; Now the voice from out the hedge-row, Bobolink again. Stints his song awhile Canary: "Who may this bird be, That with ever-answering carol Strives to vie with me?" "Only Bobolink, the singer; Merry bird am I. Through the wood and fields and meadows Now his bravest song Canary, Now his finest trill; Bobolink's from out the hedge-row Then the tender-voiced Canary, "I am weary," sobs Canary, "I am all outdone; 'T was the trial test between us,· Bobolink has won. "Even my mistress, she who fancied My poor song divine, See how eagerly she listens To his song, not mine. "Knows she why in happy music He surpasses me? I am but a caged Canary; Bobolink is free." THE OTHER SIDE; OR, CANARY AND BOBOLINK. HUS the little prisoner trilled THU His passionate lamentings; Tragic song could ne'er express Never from wild orange grove To the lady's tender heart While the little warbler sang, As if her heart were breaking. Then did Bobolink attempt Those wild notes of sadness; But for all that he could do, It was only gladness. Every twist he gave his throat, 'T was a merry clatter; You'd have thought a Christy's band Asking what's the matter. Often as he tried the voice Of the sad Canary, Nature's power left him no choice But that of making merry. So it was the grief that won "Ah, my pretty bird," she cried, "Yours the song of Nature; All the art of Bobolink Makes but an imitator. "Joy is all that he can preach, And that he has to borrow; Adversity alone can teach The deeper tones of sorrow." NEARER TO CHRIST. ORD, I would from the world retreat, Would all my sins and follies mourn, I come to thee for heavenly rest, I cannot with the world be blest; 'Tis sin and grief if I can be A moment happy far from thee. Then save me from the Tempter's power, And make me watchful every hour; Thy Spirit for my comfort give, I would be fastened to thy cross, Oh keep me near and dear to thee, Cleansed by thy blood, and saved by grace, |