MOCCASIN FLOWER. 



STATELY and calm the forest rears its crown 



Above the eternal height, 

 Wide sweeps of early color, shimmering down, 



Renew its gracious might! 

 Along the farthest ridge tall chestnuts grow, 



Mixed dark with rugged pines, 

 And follow all the gentler slopes below 



In grand, harmonious lines. 

 Their slender limbs toss upward to the sky 



A billowy spray of green, 

 The massy oak-tree s richer canopy 



Weaves ample shade between. 

 Alike thro coppice warm and rocky dell 



The rare azaleas press, 

 Long vistas touched with rosy bloom reveal 



Their truant loveliness ; 



Young growths with tender leafage springing 

 light, 



Crowd up on every side, 



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