A wild little bird skims rapidly by;
And I tell of a day when my heart was stirr'd,
And I cried as only a child can cry,
That I was a girl instead of a bird.

'And oh!' in an eager manner I cried,
'I am feeling the very same wish to-day:
Oh for two wild wings, and to spread them wide,
And rush through the sky away and away.'

I cast up my eyes, to the smiling skies,
And smiling I lower'd their glance again,
And as they were lower'd they met his eyes,
And a thrill went through me of sweetest pain.

I blush'd when I thought of my eager words--
But why do I blush? and why do I care?
What does it matter to me and the birds,
Or the pretty blossoms or scented air?

'And I,' he replied, 'have my wishes too:
Time teaches the real meaning of things;
And only this moment, looking at you,
I felt that an angel need _not_ have wings.'

We had sauntered on to the garden gate:
He look'd in my eyes ere we turn'd to part:
I walk'd away in a manner sedate,
And with something new just touching my heart.

When the first violet open'd in bloom,
Was it surpris'd at its lovely perfume?
Why does not History tell us, who met
First, the sweet breath of the first violet?
Rather I'd know it than facts that are known--
As when some tyrant ascended some throne,
A battle was fought, a comet display'd,
Coals were discover'd, or steam-engines made.

I can no moment recall, ere I knew
Perfume pertain'd to those blossoms of blue;
Had the first knowledge of sweetness like this
Touch'd me to-day, what perfection of bliss!
Children with all that creation can grant
Scarcely will miss the one pleasure I want,
Just to _remember_ the day and the hour
When, by spring breezes caressingly blown,
Delicate fragrance of violet flower
First touch'd my senses, becoming my own!

And what can it be--oh, what can it be,
That has garnish'd earth with a golden grace?
What is this something that entering me
Changes my life in a minute of space?

When I first notic'd the power in his eyes--
Watching to see if they praise or condemn,
Blushing to meet them--came into the skies
Beauty that never has vanish'd from them.

When I first stopp'd in the midst of my mirth,
While my heart beat in a tremulous way
Only to see him,--came over the earth,
Glory that earth has retain'd to this day.

When the first whisper assaulted my ear,
When the