TO VIOLETS 93 



The animal was led in by two stout ponies, closely 

 confined by straps to prevent his sudden and 

 dangerous trick of shoulder-hitting and foot-strik- 

 ing. His countenance expressed the utmost degree 

 of ferocity and cunning. 



" The operator took a handful of budding lilac- 

 leaves, and crushing them slightly between his 

 hoofs, so as to bring out their peculiar fragrance, 

 fastened them to the end of a long pole and held 

 them towards the creature. Its expression changed 

 in an instant, it drew in their fragrance eagerly, 

 and attempted to seize them with its soft split 

 hoofs. Having thus quieted his suspicious subject, 

 the operator proceeded to tie a blue hyacinth to the 

 end of the pole and held it out towards the wild 

 animal. The effect was magical. Its eyes filled as 

 if with raindrops, and its lips trembled as it pressed 

 them to the flower. After this it was perfectly 

 quiet, and brought a measure of corn to the man- 

 tamer, without showing the least disposition to strike 

 with the feet or hit from the shoulder." 



OLIVEB WENDELL HOLMES. 



TO VIOLETS 



WELCOME, maids of honour ! 



You do bring 



In the spring, 

 And wait upon her. 



