56 FLORA AND THALIA. 



Blooms only to the western star, 

 And loves its solitary ray. 



In Eden's vale an aged hind, 



At the dim twilight's closing hour, 



On his time-smoothed staff reclin'd, 



With wonder view'd the opening flov/er. 



" Ill-fated flower, at eve to blow !" 

 In pity's simple thought, he cries 



" Thy bosom must not feel the glow 

 Of splendid suns, or smiling skies. 



" Nor thee, the vagrants of the field, 

 The hamlet's little train behold ; 



Their eyes to sweet oppression yield, 

 When thme the falling shades unfold. 



" Nor thee the hasty shepherd heeds. 



When love has filled his heart with cares ; 



For flowers he rifles all the meads. 



For waking flowers — but thine forbears. 



" Ah ! waste no more that beauteous bloom. 

 On night's chill shade that fragrant breath : 



Let smilmg suns those gems illume ! 

 Fair flower, to live unseen is death!" 



FABLES or ri-ORA. 



