68 FLORA AND THALIA. 



JASMINE. 



TO A FRir.ND. 



Sweet Jessamine, long may thy elegant flower, 



Breathe fragrance and solace to me ; 

 And long thy green sprigs overshadow the bower, 



Devoted to friendship and thee. 



The eye that was dazzled, where lilies and roses 



Their brilliant assemblage display 'd, 

 With grateful delight on thy verdure I'cposes, 



A tranquil and delicate shade. 



But, ah ! what dejection thy foliage expresses, 

 Which pensively droops on her breast ; 



The dew of the evening has laden her tresses, 

 And stands like a tear on her crest. 



I'll watch by thy side through the gloom of the night, 



Impatient, till morning appears : 

 No charm can awaken this heart to delight. 



My Jasmine, while thou art in tears. 



But soon will the shadows of night be withdrawn, 



Which ever in mercy are given ; 

 And thou shalt be cheered by the light of the morn, 



And fanned by the breezes of heaven. 



