THE QUEEN OF THE FL nVEHS. 159 



No wonder he boasts of the streams of the west, 

 For each thinks his own country-side far the best. 

 He can boast of his mossy and heather-clad 



moors, 

 But no praise has he found for the Queen of 



the Flowers. 



He can boast of the plovers and sky-larks that 



sing 

 Their sweet songs in the morn as they soar on 



the wing. 



If the landscape his bosom with happiness fills, 

 And he pleasure can find in Northumbria's hills ; 

 If he boast not the flower that adorns most our 



cot, 



The choicest of gems, then I envy him not : 

 For this rich, lovely gem we can proudly call 



ours 

 'Tis the pride of the earth and the Queen of the 



Flowers. 



We will boast of the good and the virtuous fair, 

 And assert there is nothing with them can com- 

 pare 



The glittering diamond is compared of no worth 

 With a pure-minded woman, the gem of the 

 earth. 



