FLORA AND THALIA. 171 



TO AN EARLY PRIMROSE. 



Mild offspring of a dark and sullen sire ! 

 Whose modest form, so delicately fine, 



Was nursed in whirling storms, 



And cradled in the winds. 



Thee, when young Spring first questioned Winter's 



sway, 

 And dared the sturdy blusterer to the fight. 



Thee on this bank he threw. 



To mark his victory. 



In the low vale, the promise of the year. 

 Serene, thou openest to the nipping gale, 



Unnoticed and alone. 



Thy tender elegance. 



So Virtue blooms, brought forth amid the storms 

 Of chill adversity ; in some lone walk 



Of Ufe she rears her head, • 



Obscure and unobserved; 



While every bleaching breeze that on her blows, 

 Chastens her spotless purity of breast. 



And hardens her to bear 



Serene the ills of life. 



KIBKE WHITE, 



