THE MEADOW BEAUTY. IO1 



Tells of countless sunny hours, 



Long days, and solid banks of flowers. 



Aught unsavory or unclean 



Hath my insect never seen; 



But violets and bilberry bells, 



Maple-sap and daffodels, 



Grass with green flag half-mast high, 



Succory to match the sky, 



Columbine with horn of honey, 



Scented fern and agrimony, 



Clover, catch-fly, adder's-tongue, 



And brier roses dwelt among; 



All beside was unknown waste, 



All was picture as he passed. 



Wiser far than human seer, 



Yellow-breeched philosopher! 



Seeing only what is fair, 



Sipping only what is sweet. 



Thou dost mock at fate and care 



Leave the chaff and take the wheat. 



