FLORA AND THALIA. 125 



The broad leaves spread, the small buds grew, 



How slow they seemed to be, 

 At last there came a tinge of blue, 



'Twas worth the world to me. 



At length the perfume fill'd the room, 



Shed from the purple wreath ; 

 No flower has now has so rich a bloom^ 



Has now so sweet a breath. 



I gathered two or three — they seemed 



Such rich gifts to bestow : 

 So precious in my sight, I deemed 



That all must think them so. 



Ah ! who is there but would be fain 



To be a child once more ; 

 If future years could bring again 



All that they brought before ! 



My heart's world has been long o'erthrown. 



It is no more of flowers ; 

 Their bloom is past, their breath is flown. 



Yet I recall those hours. 



Let nature spread her loveliest. 



By spring or summer nurst; 

 Yet still I love the violet best, 



Because I loved it first. 



MISS LAXDOK. 



