_The Prairie Roses._

The Noon-Sun prayed a prairie rose To blanch for him her blossom's hue, But to the Plain all love she owes; Beneath that mother's grass she grew.

And sheltered by her verdant blades, Their tints of green she made her own; But still the Sun sought out her shades And said, "Be my white bride alone!"

Then, sorrowing for his grievous pain, Her sister loved the amorous god, And blushed, ashamed, as o'er the plain His parting beams illumed the sod.

So one sweet rose yet wears the green, And one in sunset's crimson glows; Still one untouched by love is seen, And one in conscious beauty blows.

CREE FAIRIES.

"Did earth ever see On thy prairie's line Tribes older than thine, Old Chief of the Cree?"

"Before us we know Of none who lived here; Our shafts bade them go.

"But others have share Of lake and of land, A swift-footed band No arrow can scare.

"Their coming has been When flowers are gay; On islet and bay Their footprints are seen.

"There dance little feet Light grasses they break; Beneath the blue lake Must be their retreat.

"We listen, and none Hears ever a sound; But where, lily-crowned, Floats the isle in the sun,

"Three children we see Like sunbeams at play. And, voiceless as they, Dogs bounding in glee.

"Of old they were there! Ever young, who are these Whom Death cannot seize? What Spirits of air?"