54 FLORA AND THALIA. 



TO THE EVENING OR TREE PRIMROSE. 



Fair flower, that shunn'st the glare of day, 

 Yet lov'st to open, meekly bold, 



To evening hues of sober grey, 

 Thy cup of paly gold ; 



Be thine the offering, owing long 

 To thee, and to this pensive hour. 



Of one brief tributary song, 



Though transient as thy flower. 



I love to watch, at silent eve, 



Thy scatter'd blossoms' lonely light ; 



And have my inmost heart receive 

 The influence of that sight. 



I love, at such an hour, to mark 



Their beauty greet the night-breeze chill, 



And shine, 'mid shadows gathering dark, 

 The garden's glory still. 



For such, 'tis sweet to think the while, 

 When cares and griefs the breast invade, 



Is friendships animating smile. 

 In sorrow's dark'ning shade. 



