Page 47 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

46 THIRD BOOK OF
the boys are clothed alike; so are the girls; the latter being mostly clad in white dresses, simple, beauti l, and modest. But the most beauti l and touching of the whole is, the expression of devotion in their countenances; the piety manifested in their gait, look, and demeanour. As they approach the church, their delicate in ntine voices pour rth a hymn; and as they enter singing, the organ strikes up its sweetest notes, accompanied by a chorus, of the clearest, but, withal, the tenderest harmony, like an angelic salutation om above. Then the community joins in saluting the young members, now admitted into its bosom. At the altar, the priest stands await­ ing them, robed in a long white vestment, and wear­ ing his stole. Ile, also, salutes them with amiable dignity, and, a er they have rmed themselves round the altar, be calls their attention, in words, w, but persuasive and strong, to the important ac­ tion which they are about to solemnise.
STUDENMAIER.
LESSON XVIII.
SONG OF THE CAPTIVE LARK.
1. 'Tis me"i·ry morn-the sun hath shed I is light upon the mountain-head.
The golden ews are sparkling now
On heath and hill, on ow'r and bough; And many a happy song is heard
From every gay rejoicing bird:
But never more, alas ! shall I Soar up and sing in yonder sky.