16 GARDENS, WREATHS, &c. 



But the hearts that answered Love's tender prayer^ 



Grew brightened with joy the while. 

 Of the coming spring, and the summer's light, 



To others that flower might say, 

 But the lover welcomed the herald bright, 



Of the glad St. Valentine's day. 

 The Crocus was hailed as a happy flower, 



And the holy Saint that day 

 Poured out on the Earth their golden shower, 



To light his votaries' way. 



On the day of St. George, the brave St. George, 



To merry England dear. 

 By field and by fell, and by mountain gorge, 



Shone Hyacinths blue and clear. 

 Lovely and prized was their purple light, 



And 'twas said in ancient story, 

 That their fairy bells rung out at night, 



A peal to old England's glory. 

 And sages read in the azure hue. 



Of the flowers so widely known. 

 That by white sail spread over Ocean's blue, 



Should the Empire's right be shown. 



And thou, of faithful memory, 



St. John, thou " shining light," 

 Beams not a burning torch for thee. 



The scarlet Lychnis bright : 



