FLORA AND THALIA. 181 



Thrice welcome! little English flower ! 



Whose tribes, beneath our natal skies, 

 Shut close their leaves while vapours lower ; 



But when the sun's gay beams arise. 

 With unabashed but modest eyes. 



Follow his motions to the west. 

 Nor cease to gaze till day-light dies ; 



Then fold themselves to rest. 



Thrice welcome ! little English flower ! 



To this resplendent hemisphere, 

 Where Flora's giant oflTspring tower < 



In gorgeous liveries all the year, 

 Thou, only thou art little here, 



Like worth unfriended and unknown. 

 Yet to my British heart more dear 



Than all the torrid zone. 



Thrice welcome ! little Enghsh flower ! 



Of early scenes, beloved by me, 

 While happy in my father's bower, ' 



Thou shait the bright memorial be ! 

 Thy fairy sports of infancy. 



Youth's golden age, and manhood's prime. 

 Home, country, kindred, friends — with thee. 



Are mine in this far clime. 



Thrice welcome ! little English flower ! 

 I'll rear thee with a trembling hand : 



