HEART'S-EASE.

'By waters still in sweet spring-time'

HERE is a little simple flower, Heart's-ease by name—I know not why; And yet, perchance, it has the power To cause a tear or calm a sigh. And if a dear one sends to me The tiny flower, I'll prize it well; For in the token I should see The wish the flower was meant to tell. And still its faded leaves I'd keep, Although they had no scent to please; Ah, better still! they seem to speak A message, praying my heart's-ease. By waters still in sweet spring-time It lifts its sweet, mild gaze to me, While on my ears faint falls the chime Of evening bells across the lea.

"Mr. Merry, with Tabby in his arms, was just leaving the house."