TELLING THE BEES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 50, 12 December 1891, Page 675

TELLING THE BEES.

< Hr of the house where the slumberer lay. Grandfather came one summer day, And under the pleasant orchard trees He spake this wise to the murmuring bees ‘ The clover bloom that kissed her feel

And the posy bed where she used to play Have honey store, but none so sweet As ere our little one went away. O bees, sing soft, and bees, sing low, For she is gone who loved you so !'

A wonder fell on the listening bees I’nder those pleasant orchard trees, And in their toil that summer day Ever their murmuring seemed to say ; • I 'hild, O child, the grass is cool And the posies are waking to hear the song Of the bird that swings by the shaded poo), Waiting foi one that tarrieth long !’ ’Twas so they called to the little one then, As if to call her back again.

O gentle bees, I have come to say That giandfather fell asleep to day, And we know l»y the smile on glandfather's fare He has found his clear one's hiding place. So bees, sing soft, and bees sing low, As over the honey fields you sweep ; To the tiees abloom and the flowers ablow Sing of giandfatber fast asleep ; And ever beneath these oichaid tiees Kind cheer and shelter, gentle bees.

Eugene Field.