WILD-FL O IVER SONNE TS. 



PURPLE GERARDIA. 



T N that fair, dreamy border-land, that lies 



Between the glowing zone of summer flowers, 

 Frail, fleet recorders of the summer hours, 

 And Autumn's belt of gold and purple dyes, 

 O my Gerardia, thou reignest queen. 

 Tribute from both thou gatherest, I think; 

 Since thy right royal robe of purple pink 

 Holds tints of June in its rich, rosy sheen, 

 Deepened with touch of Autumn hues to come. 

 So, too, a pleasing sadness marks thy reign, 

 A summer joy, dashed with presage of pain ; 

 For when o'er dale and down flushes thy bloom, 

 We sadly smile, to think thy pretty bells 

 Must toll the dying Summer's passing knells. 

 SEPTEMBER. 



