I N T R O D U C T I O N. 9 



"Bright and glorious is that revelation, 



Written all over this great world of ours, 

 Making evident our own creation, 



In these stars of Earth — these golden flowers 



" And the Poet, faithful and far-seeing, 

 Sees, alike in stars and flowers, a part 

 Of the self-same, universal being 

 Which is throbbing in his brain and heart. 



" Gorgeous flowerets in the sunlight shining 

 Blossoms flaunting in the eye of day ; 

 Tremulous leaves, with soft and silver lining, 

 Buds that open only to decay. 



" Brilliant hopes, all woven in gorgeous tissues, 

 Flaunting gayly in the golden light ; 

 Large desires, with most uncertain issues. 

 Tender wishes, blossoming at night. 



" Every where about us are they glowing, 

 Some like stars, to tell us Spring is born ; 

 Others, their blue eyes with tears o'erflowing, 

 Stand like Ruth amid the golden corn." 



After so beautiful an apostrophe to Flowers, we pre- 

 sent our Book with renewed confidence to the readers 

 for whom it is intended. That amid its many blossoms 

 they may discover some fair and fragrant flower, 

 which may bring pleasant images, and among its poet- 



