Volume 13 — A CHILD'S FANCY.

The meadow is a battle-field Where Summer's army comes: Each soldier with a clover shield, The honey-bees with drums. Boom, rat-tá!—they march and pass The captain tree who stands Saluting with a sword of grass And giving the commands. 'T is only when the breezes blow Across the woody hills, They shoulder arms and, to and fro, March in their full-dress drills. Boom, rat-tá!—they wheel in line And wave their gleaming spears. "March!" cries the captain, giving sign, And every soldier cheers. But when the day is growing dim They gather in their camps, And sing a good thanksgiving hymn Around their fire-fly lamps. Ra-ta-tá!—the bugle-notes Call "good-night!" to the sky.— I hope they all have overcoats To keep them warm and dry!