ll'ILD-FLOWER SOA T NETS. 



HEPATICA. 



"DRAVE, blue-eyed herald of the tardy Spring, 

 Who, while thy laggard followers still sleep, 

 Courageously thy steadfast watch dost keep, 

 Glad tidings of her first approach to bring, 

 I wonder thy sweet patience never fails, 

 Though wintry snows lie deep on field and hill, 

 And from the sea the bitter blast blows chill, 

 That no weak doubt thy trusting heart assails. 

 I marvel at thy subtile chemistry, 

 Which can from the cold earth such faith distil, 

 And from gray skies such azure as doth fill 

 Thy gentle, upturned eyes. Oh, lesson me, 

 Fair sage ! Courage and hope I 'd learn of thee, 

 And faith that fails not in adversity. 

 MARCH. 



