To Mrs. J.G. Holland
From ED

March 1883

We wont fatigue the Fairy Scribe with a farther Letter, but only ask that question small, ever to us so great, how is the Mama? We hope the March Winds may not find her in her dear Retreat, for their ferocious ways would certainly appall her -

We trust the lovely Invalid is growing every Day, not in Grace but Vigor, the latter Foliage needed more -

I have seen one Bird and part of another - probably the last, for Gibraltar's Feathers would be dismayed by this savage Air - beautiful, too, ensnaring - as Spring always is.

"Though he slay me, yet will I trust him" -

Commending the Birds of which I spoke, to your Hearts and Crumbs,

     Lovingly,
          Emily -

Forever honored be the Tree
Whose Apple Winterworm
Enticed to Breakfast from the Sky
Two Gabriels Yestermorn.

They registered in Nature's Book
As Robins - Sire and Son -
But Angels have that modest way
To screen them from Renown.