TO DAFFODILS 91 



days of the Tang dynasty, it has been fashionable 

 to admire the peony ; but my favourite is the water- 

 lily. How stainless it rises from its slimy bed ! 

 How modestly it reposes on the clear pool an 

 emblem of purity and truth ! Symmetrically per- 

 fect, its subtle perfume is wafted far and wide ; 

 while there it rests in spotless state, something 

 to be regarded reverently from a distance, and not 

 to be profaned by familiar approach. 



In my opinion, the chrysanthemum is the flower 

 of retirement and culture ; the peony, the flower of 

 rank and wealth ; the water-lily, the Lady of Virtue 

 sans pareille. 



Alas ! few have loved the chrysanthemum since 

 T'ao Yiian-ming ; and none now love the water-lily 

 like myself; whereas the peony is a general favourite 

 with all mankind. 



TO DAFFODILS 



FAIR daffodils, we weep to see 



You haste away so soon ; 

 As yet the early-rising sun 

 Has not attain'd his noon. 



Stay, stay 

 Until the hasting day 



Has run 



But to the evensong ; 

 And, having pray'd together, we 

 Will go with you along. 



