176 FLORA AND THALIA. 



I thought it delightful your beauties to find, 

 When the magic of Nature first breathed on my mind, 

 And your blossoms were part of her spell. 



E'en now what affections the violet awakes; 

 What loved little islands, twice seen in their lakes, 



Can the wild water-lily restore. 

 What landscapes I read in the primrose's looks; 

 What pictures of pebbles and minnowy brooks 



In the vetches that tangle the shore. 



Earth's cultureless buds ! to my heart ye were dear 

 Ere the fever of passion, or ague of fear, 



Had scathed my existence's bloom ; 

 Once I welcome you more, in life's passionless stage. 

 With the visions of youth to revisit my age, 



And I wish you to grow on my tomb. 



CAMPBELL. 



