2 JULY 1881, Page 23

" We have sung for long in the low-walled garden,

We have flitted among the ivy-leaves ; And oh! we know that some hearts will pardon The tiny sins of such tuneful thieves. We have flown and hopped, to settle and flutter Near some poor toiler's dull window-pane ; How happy we were, when we heard her utter A gentler speech, for our song in the rain

We have seen some London sights ; one neighbour Tending a lonelier, poorer waif, Sharing the fruits of hard toil and labour, To lessen her grief, to keep her safe ; An old man led by a tender daughter, To feel the kiss of the April sun ; A little child lifting a jug of water, To help the sick woman whose work was done."