212 FLORA AND THALIA. 



Yet shall arise upon my way, 



Affection's buds and blossoms fair ; 



The same that in my early day 



With heavenly fragrance filled the air. 



They live — they breathe ; and on my heart 

 I wear, still wear those cherished flowers ; 



And death alone those ties can part, 



First woven in my home's sweet bowers. 



O pause, old Time ! for though to thee 

 I have not brought the tribute due ; 



And hours, days, years have fled from me, 

 Still to my mortal trust untrue ; 



Yet, in thy course thou hast not seen, 

 Ungenerous wish, or fault unmourned, 



And all that ought not to have been 

 Upon a sorrowing heart returned. 



And ere I bow beneath thy sway, 

 Full many a virtue shall be mine ; 



For I will consecrate each day. 



To bend at duty's hallowed shrine. 



Then pause, old Time, ere o'er my flowers. 



Thy fatal sithe is coldly laid ; 

 And leave, leave, some lingering hours, 



Ere Nature's final debt is paid. 



FROM THE SACRED OrFEEING. 



