CLOSE OF THE DAY.

’Tis twilight, and the glorious sun Hath left his place on high; And evening shadows have begun To steal along the sky. The swallow leaves the fields of air, The busy bee the flower; And farmers hasten home to share The quiet of the hour. Tho’ small in size, the cricket tries His voice so shrill and strong, And many a frog, from pond and bog, Sends forth its croaking song. Now we will call the children dear To rest their wearied limbs, And, as the time for bed draws near, We’ll hear their evening hymns. And then, Aunt Avis must not fail To bring her stock of verse, For in sweet rhyme a pleasant tale She can for us rehearse. And often, at the close of day, We’ll think of this kind friend, And ask for some instructive lay, Which she has sweetly penned. ——— How pleasant it seems To hear mamma say, You’ve been very good, My darling, to-day.