168 FLORA AND THALiA. 



THE NOSEGAY. 



I CULLED for my love a fresh nosegay, one day ; 



She smiled as I flew to her side ; 

 I checked the soft sunbeam of pleasure's bright ray, 



While thus I, half playfully cried : — 

 " Those lilies and sweets, gentle maid, are like yours, 



This nosegay thy excellence tells ; 

 The rose to the eye, like thy beauty, allures, 



But its thorn, like thy virtue, repels." 



The jasmine, so simple, so sweet to the sense, 



Of gentle and delicate hue, 

 Recals all thy talents, so void of pretence, 



So modest, yet exquisite too; 

 The woodbine, where bees love their treasures to seek 



Is a type of affection like mine ; 

 And oh ! may this innocent flow'r my wish speak. 



And heartsease for ever be thine ! 



