McGuffey's Second Eclectic Reader

Lesson Xl.

fair la'dy drear cling'ing hare'bell

fled ne'er de spair' nod'ding bloom'ing

[Footnote: harebell: Perennial with slender stems, dense clusters of leaves, and bell-shaped blue or white flowers -- bluebell.]

THE LITTLE HAREBELL.

"Tell me, little harebell, Are you lonely here. Blooming in the shadow On this rock so drear?"

"Clinging to this bit of earth, As if in mid-air, With your sweet face turned to me, Looking strangely fair?"

"Lady" said the harebell, Nodding low its head, "Though this spot seem dreary, Thought the sunlight's fled.

"Know that I'm not lonely That I ne'er despair. God is in the shadow God is everywhere."