Dear Grandpa Lee, with little Grace,
Followed the pathway to the mill;
Bright daisies starred the shady lane,
And now and then a bird would trill.
Thus happily they onward went,
Till Grace cried, "There is little Kate,
And Frank and Nellie, too—and oh!
Nell's swinging on the garden-gate!"
As Grace and Grandpa came in sight,
The little ones to meet them sped,
Their eager, prattling lips apart,
Eyes flashing bright, and cheeks rose-red.
"Oh Grandpa! in the hedge we've found
Four Easter eggs, all colored blue;
They 're in the sweetest little nest;
We want to show our prize to you!"
Said Grandpa, "Touch them not, my dears;
Those eggs God dyed with colors rare;
The mother-bird will soon come back,
And guard her nest with loving care.
"These Easter eggs, in leaf-hid nests,
Imprison countless song-birds bright,
That soon will break the tinted shell,
And rise and sing in joyous flight."
