THE FIRST-COMER.

The drift by the gateway is dingy and low; And half of yon hillside is free from the snow: Among the dead rushes the brook's flowing now. And here's Pussy Willow again on the bough! "Hi, ho, Pussy Willow! Say, why are you here?" "I've brought you a message: 'The Summer is near! All through the long winter, uneasy I've slept: To hear the wild March wind, half listening, I kept. "Loud blew his shrill whistle, and up and awake, My brown cloak from off me I've ventured to shake; Thrice happy in being the first one to say, 'Rejoice, for the Summer is now on her way!' "The moss-hidden Mayflowers will blossom ere long, And gay robin redbreast be trilling a song: But, always before them, I'm sure to be here: 'Tis first Pussy Willow says, 'Summer is near!'"