164 FLORA AND THALIA. 



A mother's dirge over iter child. 



Brixg me flowers all young and sweet, 

 That I may strew the winding sheet, 

 Where calm thou sleepest, baby fair, 

 With roseless cheek and auburn hair ! 



Bring ine the rosemary, whose breath 

 Perfumed the wild and desert heath ; 

 The lily of the vale, which, too. 

 In silence and in beauty grew. 



Bring cypress from some sunless spot, 

 Bring me the blue forget-me-not ; 

 That I may strew them o'er thy bier, 

 With long-drawn sigh and gushing tear. 



Oh, what upon this earth doth prove 

 So steadfast as a mother's love ! 

 Oh, what on earth can bring relief, 

 Or solace to a mother's grief. 



No more, my baby, shalt thou lie. 

 With drowsy smile, and half-shut eye, 

 Pillowed upon my^ fostering breast 

 Serenely sinking into rest ! 



