POEM FOR RECITATION.

Sought the king his garden When the air was ringing With the joyous music That the birds were singing. When the sun threw westward Long bright beams of gold, And the dew was sparkling On the wold. Found his plants all drooping Sullenly and sadly; Buds and blossoms hung their heads, Born to bloom so gladly. When the king demanded Why in sorrow bent, There was but one answer— Discontent. For the graceful willow By the fountain weeping, And the lovely jasmine, All her perfume keeping, Answered when he questioned— Each with envy spoke— "Ah, because I cannot Be an oak." E'en the elm-tree answered, Sadly and complaining, "Ah, because I am not Bloom and fruitage gaining." And the vine, down drooping, Lamentation made Just because it could not Cast a shade. Rose would be a dahlia, Ferns the flowers would copy, Daisy grow a sunflower, Heliotrope, a poppy. Only little Heart's-ease Looked all glad and bright, And the king said, wond'ring At the sight, "Wherefore, little Heart's-ease, Art thou not repining?" And the Heart's-ease answered, All her gold heart shining, "Why, when me you planted 'Mong your garden store, You wanted just a heart's-ease, Nothing more." Do you know the lesson That the fable's giving? 'Tis the very secret Of all happy living. In whatever station God for you deems best, Yours to grow and brighten, His the rest. M. R. P.