FLORA AND THALIA. 109 



THE MOSS-ROSE. 



The Angel of the Flowers, one day, 



Beneath a rose-tree sleeping lay ; 



That spirit to whom charge is given, 



To bathe young buds in dews of heaven ; 



Awaking from his light repose, 



The Angel whispered to the Rose : — 



" O, fondest object of my care, 



Still fairest found, where all is fair; 



For the sweet shade thou giv'st to me, 



Ask what thou wilt, 'tis granted thee !" 



" Then," said the Eose, with deepened glow, 



" On me another grace bestow." 



The spirit paused in silent thought ; — 



What grace was there the flower had not 1 — 



'Twas but a moment — o'er the Rose 



A veil of moss, the Angel throws ; 

 \ ' ^ ' 



And robed in tiature's simplest weed. 



Could there a flower that Rose exceed 1 



FROM THE GEKMAX. 



