FLORA AND THALIA. 161 



I SEXD the Lilies given to me ; 



Though long before thy hand they touch, 

 I know that they must withered be ; 



But yet reject them not as such : 

 For I have cherished them as dear, 



Because they yet may meet thine eye. 

 And guide thy soul to mine, even here, 



When thou behold'st them drooping nigh. 

 And know'st them gathered by the Rhine, 

 And offered from my heart to thine ! 



The river nobly foams and flows, 



The charm of this enchanted ground, 

 And all its thousand turns disclose. 



Some fresher beauty varying round ; 

 The hautiest breast its wish might bound, 



Through life to dwell delighted here ; 

 Nor could on earth a spot be found, 



To Nature and to me so dear. 

 Could thy dear eyes, in following mine, 

 Still sweeten more these banks of Rhine ! 



BYR02 



