THE COWSLIP. 



UNFOLDING to the breeze of May, 

 The Cowslip greets the vernal ray ; 

 The topaz and the ruby gem, 

 Her blossom's simple diadem ; 

 And, as the dew-drops gently fall, 

 They tip with pearls her coronal. 



In princely halls and courts of kings 

 Its lustrous ray the diamond flings ; 

 .Yet few of those who see its beam, 

 Amid the torch-light's dazzling gleam. 

 As bright as though a meteor shone, 

 Can call the costly prize their own. 



But gems of every form and hue 

 Are glittering here in morning dew ; 

 Jewels that all alike may share 

 As freely as the common air ; 

 No niggard hand, or jealous eye, 

 Protects them from the passer by. 

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