It whispers of hope,
Till sad mortals rejoice.

--_Selected._

ARBOR DAY FETE.

BY GRACE A. LUSK, MILWAUKEE.

(Stage, if possible, represents scene out-of-doors; raised throne to
right.)

_Enter Chorus._

Every season hath its pleasures,
Which we sing in joyous measures;
In Summer's sunshine, rich and sweet,
Blossom flowers, ripens wheat;
Autumn puts the wood aflame,
Poets give her beauties fame;
Winter comes--a world of snow
And crisp, clear air make faces glow;
Spring awakens Nature dear,
Song birds chant 'neath skies so clear,
Every season hath its pleasures,
Which we sing with joyous measures.

_Enter boy and girl_ (with flag and drum).

_Boy_:

In Summer comes the joyous Fourth,
I beat my drum for all I'm worth;

_Girl_:

Our crackers make a joyous noise,
For girls like fun as well as boys.

(The holidays, after speaking, step to left and right of throne.)

_Enter girl_ (in Puritan dress).

After reaping harvest's gold
Thanks we render, for manifold
The blessings are each passing year,
Thanksgiving is a day of cheer.

_Enter girl_ (in coat and furs, arms full of packages and holly).

On the night before Christmas
There came to our house,
A right jolly old elf, as still as a mouse;
He filled all the stockings,
Trimmed each Christmas tree,
Made our Christmas merry--a good saint is he!

_Enter very small boy_ (carrying a big book under his arm with
1913 printed on it).

The wild bells rang across the snow,
The old year went--though loath to go;
The New Year came, while bells were ringing;
His days of joy and sorrow bringing.

_Enter girl_ (in white trimmed with red hearts).

Mine is a day of piercing darts,
Flowers sweet, and big red hearts,
Cupids tender, verses fine,
I'm the happy valentine.

_Enter two boys_ (carrying flags).

_Together_:

Birthdays of patriots, brave and true,
In February drear, make cheer for you.

_First boy_:

Lincoln so kind, was everyone's friend;

_Second boy_:

Washington did a young nation defend.

_Chorus_ (to Holidays).

Once, each year, supreme you reign,
O'er the lads a