THE STRANGER S FLOWER. 85 



THE STRANGERS FLOWER. 



In some of the South American republics, it was customary 

 for ladies to present a flower to every stranger whom they re 

 ceived as a guest. 



STRANGER ! new flowers in these vales are 



seen, 



With a dazzling eye, and a fadeless green, 

 They scent the breath of the dewy morn, 

 They feed no worm, and they hide no thorn, 

 But revel and glow in our balmy air ; 

 They are flowers that freedom hath planted 



there. 



This bud of welcome to thee we give ; 

 Bid its glowing blush in thy bosom live ; 

 It shall charm thee from all a stranger s pain, 

 Reserve, suspicion, and dark disdain ; 

 A race in its freshness and bloom are we, 

 Bring no cares from a worn out world with 

 thee. 



