128 FLORA AND THALIA, 



LOVE-IN-IDLENESS. 



Ix gardens oft a beauteous flower there grows, 

 By vulgar eyes unnoticed and unseen ; 



In sweet security it humbly blows, 



And rears its purple head to deck the green. 



This flower, as Nature's poet sweetly sings. 



Was once milk-white, and Heart's-ease was its 

 name. 



Till wanton Cupid poised its roseate wings, 

 A vestal's sacred bosom to inflame. 



With treacherous aim the god his arrow drew, 

 Which she with icy coldness did repel ; 



Rebounding thence with feathery speed it flew, 

 Till on this lonely flower, at last, it fell. 



Heart's-ease no more the wandering shepherds found; 



No more the nymphs its snowy form possess ; 

 Its white now changed to pmple by Love's wound, 



Heart's-ease no more, — 'tis Love-in-idleness. 



MRS. BKIXSLEY SHERIDAW. 



