THE VICARAGE. 289 



to the greatest advantage. Shakspeare refers to 

 their early appearance 



Daffodils, 



That come before the swallow dares, and take 

 The winds of March with beauty. 



" Well, papa," replied Lucy, " you may admire 

 the daffodil, but the snow-drop and the lily of the 

 valley are my favourites. The former bursts upon 

 us as soon as the snow is melted, and rivals it in 

 purity ; but the lily has a still more delicate white- 

 ness, while its extreme modesty makes it hide 

 itself amidst a profusion of leaves, and its delight- 

 ful fragrance is only known when it is exposed to 

 view." Lucy blushed while she gave utterance to 

 this panegyric on her favourite flowers. 



" A pretty moral might be derived from it," 

 said the Vicar, while Davenport added 



To the curious eye 

 A little servitor presents her page 

 Of choice instruction with her snowy bells, 

 The lily of the vale. She nor affects 

 The public walk, nor gaze of mid-day sun : 

 She to no state or dignity aspires, 

 But silent and alone puts on her suit, 

 And sheds her lasting perfume, but for which 

 We had not known there was a thing so sweet 

 Hid in the gloomy shade. 



To be secure, 

 Be humble ; to be happy, be content.* , 



* HURDIS. 

 O 



