128 GELANDIJSE, 



Little flower! — I'll make a stir, 

 Like a great Astronomer. 



Modest, yet withal an elf. 

 Bold, and lavish of thyself; 

 Since we needs must first have met, 

 I have seen thee high and low, 

 Thirty years or more, and yet 

 'Twas a face I did not know ; 

 Thou hast now, go where I may, 

 Fifty greetings in a day. 



Ere a leaf is on a bush, 

 In the time before the thrush 

 Has a thought about its nest, 

 Thou wilt come with half a call, 

 Spreading out thy glossy breast 

 Like a careless prodigal; 

 Telling tales about the sun. 

 When we've little warmth or none. 



Poets, vain men in their mood ! 

 « Travel with the multitude : 

 Never heed them ; I aver. 

 That they all are wanton wooers; 

 But the thrifty cottager. 

 Who stirs little out of doors, 

 Joys to spy thee near her home — 

 Spring is coming, thou art come ! 



