124 FLORA AND THALIA. 



THE VIOLET. 



Wht better than the lady rose, 



Love I this little flower 1 

 Because its fragrant leaves are those 



I loved in childhood's hour. 



Though many a flower may win my praise, 



The violet has my love ; 

 I did not pass my childish days 



In garden or in grove. 



My garden was the window-seat, 



Upon whose edge was sdt 

 A little vase, — the fair, the sweet, 



It was the violet. 



It was my pleasure and my pride ; 



How I did watch its growth ! 

 For health and bloom what plans I tried. 



And often %ijured both. 



I placed it in the summer shower, 



I placed it in the sun ; 

 And ever at the evening hour 



My work seemed half undone. 



