The aquilegia sprinkled on the rocks 



A scarlet rain; the yellow violet 

 Sat in the chariot of its leaves; the phlox 



Held spikes of purple flame in meadows wet, 

 And all the streams with vernal-scented reed 

 Were fringed, and streaky bells of miskodeed. 

 BAYARD TAYLOR: Mon-Da-Min. 



Daffodils, 



That come before the swallow dares, and take 

 The winds of March with beauty; violets dim, 

 But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes, 

 Or Cytherea's breath; pale primroses, 

 That die unmarried ere they can behold 

 Bright Phcebus in his strength a malady 

 Most incident to maids; bold oxlips and 

 The crown-imperial; lilies of all kinds, 

 The flower-de-luce being one! 



SHAKESPEARE: Winter's Tale. 



