BLOOD-ROOT. 



(SAXGUINARIA.) 



\X7HEN mid the budding elms the bluebird flits, 



As if a bit of sky had taken wings ; 

 When cheerily the first brave robin sings, 

 While timid April smiles and weeps by fits, 

 Then dainty Blood-Root dons her pale-green wrap, 

 And ventures forth in some warm, sheltered nook, 

 To sit and listen to the gurgling brook, 

 And rouse herself from her long winter nap. 

 Give her a little while to muse and dream, 

 And she will throw her leafy cloak aside, 

 And stand in shining raiment, like a bride 

 Waiting her lord ; whiter than snow will seem 

 Her spotless robe, the moss-grown rocks beside, 

 And bright as morn her golden crown will gleam. 

 APRIL. 



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