To Mrs. J.G. Holland
From ED

early spring 1881

Dear Sister,

Spring, and not a Blue Bird, but I have seen a Crow - "in his own Body on the Tree," almost as prima facie -

They love such outlawed Trees -

An Antiquated Tree
Is cherished of the Crow
Because that Junior Foliage is disrespectful now
To venerable Birds
Whose Corporation Coat
Would decorate Oblivion's
Remotest Consulate.

We have had two Hurricanes since the "Ides of March," and one of them came near enough to untie My Apron - a boldness please resent -

Mother is lying changeless on her changeless Bed, hoping a little, and fearing much - Vinnie in Bliss's Catalogue, prospecting for Summer -

You and I can content ourselves with only "Bliss" itself. What a parsimony! Maggie, good and noisy, the North Wind of the Family, but Sweets without a Salt would at last cloy -

The Neighborhood are much amused by the "Fair Barbarian" and Emily's Scribner is perused by all the Boys and Girls.

Even the Cynic Austin confessed himself amused -

I hope the Little Sister's Eyes have refrained from sighing - and very often carry them to the "Throne" of Tenderness - the only God I know - and if I take her too, it does'nt break My Basket, though Fondness' untold Load does tire rugged Baskets some -

I hope that nothing makes you afraid. Give my Heart to each, and my slim Circumference to her who often shared it -

     Lovingly,

          Emily.