216 FLORA AND THALIA. 



Yes, He who made and fosters thee, 

 In reason's eye perforce must be 



Of majesty divine. 

 Nor deems she, that his guardian care 

 Will He in man's support forbear, 



Who thus provides for thee. 



THE SNOW-DROP. 



Lone flov^er, hemmed in with snows as white as they, 



But hardier far, once more I see thee bend 



Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend. 



Like an unbidden guest. Though day by day, 



Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay 



The rising sun, and on the plains descend ; 



Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend 



Whose zeal outruns his promise. Blue-eyed May 



Shall soon behold this border thickly set 



With bright jonquils, their odours lavishing 



On the soft west wind and his frolic peers ; 



Nor will I then thy modest grace forget, 



Chaste snow-drop, vent'rous harbinger of spring. 



And pensive monitor of fleeting years ! 



WORDSWORTH. 



