THE PRIMROSK. 



period in which Winter, withdrawing herself, sees the hem 

 of her snowy mantle adorned with an embroidery of verdure 

 and of flowers. It is no longer the season for frosts, nor 

 yet are bright days come. Yet how exhilarating are the 

 days when Primrose tufts appear on every bank, and beneath 

 every hedgerow ! How well do we remember the millions 

 which deck the hill-sides, and vales, and hazel copses in 

 the lovely country about Godalming ! there, mingled with 

 the dog-violet and a vast variety of Vvild flowers, they are 

 a most fitting emblem of Early Youth, when the spirits are 

 full of freshness, when hope abounds, when the future is all 

 of a rosy tint, when the mind is free from anything like 

 real care or sorrow in most of us ! And in that beautiful spot 

 these lovely flowers have an added charm in the presence 

 of the nightingale, whose rich and liquid notes fill the air 

 in every direction at the joyous season of Spring ; well may 

 Bidlake say to the Primrose, — 



" Pale visitant of balmy Spring, joy of the new-born year, 

 That bidd'st young hope new plume his wing, soon as thy buds appear. 



■"• * -if -jf -rf Tf- 



Remote trom towns thy transient life is spent in skies mor*^ pure ; 

 The suburb smoke, the seat of strife, thou can'st but ill endure. 



***** T^- 



Thy smiles young innocence invite, what time thy hds awake. 



In shadowy lane to taste dehght, or mazy tangled brake. 



****** 



Ah I happy breasts ! unknown to pain, I would not spoil your joys, 



Nor vainly teach you to complain of life's delusive toys. 



Be jocund still, still sport and smile, nor dream of woe or future guile ; 



For soon shall ye awakened find 

 The joys of life's sad thorny way, but fading flowerets of a day 



Cut down by every wind.'' 

 167 



