HAREBELL. 123 



" While the flowers that you fancy are crowding you there, 

 " Spring round you, delighted your converse to share : 

 " His flame-colour'd robe is imposing, 't is true ; 

 " Yet, who likes it so well as your mantle of blue ? 

 " For we know that of innocence one is the vest ; 

 *' The other the cloak of a treacherous breast. 



"I see your surprise — but I know him full well, 

 "And have number'd his victims, as fading they fell: 

 " He blighted twin Violets that under him lay, 

 " And poison'd a sister of mine the same day !" 

 The Primrose was silent — The Harebell, 'tis said. 

 Inclined for a moment her beautiful head ; 

 But quickly recovered her spirits, and then 

 Declared that she ne'er should feel envy again. 



