THE COWSLIP. 



THE COWSLIP {Priimda ^^r/j-).— Early Joys. 



A FLOWER SO profusely scattered over our meadows in 

 the merry months of May and June, needs only to be named 

 to recall to mind our early joys, when we roamed at will 

 gathering Cowslips with eager delight, and breathing their 

 delicious fragrance. How merrily did our great Shakspeare 

 sing when he thought of them, and fancied fairies dwelt in 

 their golden cups, — 



" Where the bee sucks, there lurk I ; 

 In a Cowshp's bell I he ; 

 There I crouch when owls do cry." 



Miss Taylor, in her verses entitled '' Leafy Spring," betrays 

 her fondness for these charming flowers, — 



" On pastures wide and green, upon a thousand stems, 

 Fit for a fairy queen to wear for precious gems, 

 Young Cowshps smile at earth and sky, 

 With sweetest breath and golden eye." 



But why should we say more of this beauteous remembrancer 

 of the happiness of childhood 1 No one, who, at that golden 

 age, spent any time in the country when it was in bloom, can 

 have failed to partake of those early joys of which it is such 

 an appropriate token. 



6i 



