86 VIOLET. 



So they who climb to wealth forget 

 The friends in darker fortunes tried; 



I copied them — but I regret 



That I should ape the ways of pride. 



And when again the genial hour 

 Awakes the painted tribes of light, 



I'll not o'erlook the modest flower 

 That made the woods of April bright. 



TO A WHITE VIOLET, 



H. I. JOHNS. 



Coy inmate of the lowly shade, 



'Mid clustering leaves embosom'd deep, 



Why thus, in modest garb array'd, 



Hid'st thou beneath the hedge-row's steep? 



While gaudier flowers that woo the sun, 

 In all the pride of colour glow, 



Thy odoriferous breath alone. 



Reveals the gem that lurks below. 



So modest worth in humble guise, 

 Retiring, shuns the gazing eye; 



While round the hallow'd spot arise 

 A thousand sweets that never die! 



