238 THE roMY or FLOWER*. 



THE LILY OF THE VALLEY. 



I had found out a sweet green spot, 

 Where a lily was blooming fair; 

 The din of the city disturbed it not, 

 But the spirit that shades the quiet cot 

 With its wings of love was there. 



I found that lily's bloom, 



When the day was dark and chill; 

 It smiled like a star in a misty gloom, 

 And it sent abroad a soft perfume, 



Which is floating around me still. 



I sat by the lily's bell, 



And watched it many a day; 

 The leaves, that rose in a flowing swell, 

 Grew faint and dim, then drooped and fell 



And the flower had flown away. 



I looked where the leaves were laid, 



In withering paleness, by, 

 And, as gloomy thoughts stole on me, said, 

 There is many a sweet and blooming maid, 



Who will soon as dimly die. 



PrrctW 



