it happened just then, that there came dancing by,

two lovely large flakes from somewhere in the sky,

and the little flake cried, "oh, beautiful flakes,

i've been here looking down, till my very heart aches;

see how dismal it looks, down there on the earth.

instead of gay laughter, and shouting, and mirth,

the children are crying, their bright eyes are wet,

for thinking the snowflakes are going to forget.

will you go down with me sometime before night ?

the children would see us, and laugh with delight.

"why you dear little flake

now just dry your eye,"

said the lovely white flakes,

" we'll go down by and by.

just now, we would rather

whirl 'round in the air,

than to settle ourselves

away off down there!"

"and just think," said one, "of my pretty new

gown,

being stepped on, and spoiled, and all trodden

down!"

then gaily enough they were dancing away,

when the brave little flake found courage to say,