162 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



of England shows the same tendency. Its leaves will 

 shrink slightly w^ith rough handling, or if touched in a 

 certain manner w^ith the blade of a penknife. 



" A Sensitive Plant in a garden grew, 

 And the young winds fed it with silver dew. 

 And it opened its fan-like leaves to the light, 

 And closed them beneath the kisses of night. 



" And the spring arose on the garden fair, 

 And the Spirit of Love fell everywhere ; 

 And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast 

 Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest. 



" But none ever trembled and panted with bliss 

 In the garden, the field, or the wilderness. 

 Like a doe in the noontide with love's sweet want. 

 As the companionless Sensitive Plant. 



" The snowdrop and then the violet. 

 Arose from the ground with warm rain wet. 

 And their breath was mixed with fresh odours, sent 

 From the turf, like the voice and the instrument. 



" Then the pied wind-flowers and the tulip tall, 

 And narcissi, the fairest among them all. 

 Who gaze on their eyes in the stream's recess. 

 Till they died of their own dear loveliness. 



" And the hyacinth purple and white and blue. 

 Which flung from its bells a sweet peal anew 

 Of music, so delicate, soft and intense, 

 It was felt like an odour within the sense. 



" Each and all like ministering angels were 

 For the Sensitive Plant sweet joy to bear. 

 While the lagging hours of the day went by 

 Like windless clouds o'er a tender sky. 



" And when evening descended from heaven above. 

 And the earth was all rest, and the air was all love, 

 And delight, though less bright, was far more deep. 

 And the day's veil fell from the world of sleep. 



