THE DELIGHTS OF GARDENS 



And I dream that these garden closes, 

 With their shade and their sun-flecked sod, 



And their lilies and bowers of roses, 

 Were laid by the hand of God. 



The kiss of the sun for pardon, 

 The song of the birds for mirth 



One is nearer God's heart in a garden 

 Than anywhere else on earth. 



DOROTHY GURNEY. 



THOUGHTS IN A GARDEN 



How vainly men themselves amaze 

 To win the palm, the oak, or bays, 

 And their incessant labours see 

 Crown' d from some single herb or tree, 

 Whose short and narrow-verged shade 

 Does prudently their toils upbraid ; 

 While all the flowers and trees do close 

 To weave the garlands of repose ! 



Fair Quiet, have I found thee here, 

 And Innocence, thy sister dear ? 

 Mistaken long, I sought you then 

 In busy companies of men : 

 Your sacred plants, if here below, 

 Only among the plants will grow : 

 Society is all but rude 

 To this delicious solitude. 



