126 CEREUS. 



Who stampM thee with the Hncaments of grace, 



But veil'd thy bh'th and short-lived bloom in darkness 



Some end beneficent design'd, though far 



Beyond or human ken or comprehension*! — 



Earth's lowliest herb is eloquent of Him^ 



The Great Supreme ! and thou, mysterious flower, 



Fair glory of the night I might Fancy give 



Thy voice interpretation, couldst unfold 



Why form'd so fair, and why ordain'd to spend 



Thy sweets nectareous in nocturnal gloom. 



