THE ENCHANTED PLANTS. 209 



To Flora were their vows addressed, 

 N In supplicating mood ; 

 The Crocus first her plaints expressed, 

 And thus her grievance stood. 



" Oh, Flora, cruel mother ! say, 



Why suckle me with snow ? 

 And, why not let thy Crocus stay 



Till rival beauties blow ? 



" In spring, when every shrub and flower 



Rejoices in the sun, 

 Like babe entombed at early hour, 



My shivering race is run. 



" Let me but once, among the gay, 



My place with rapture find ; 

 Once hail the balmy breath of May, 



Thenceforward I'm resigned." 



She ceased ; another plaintive moan 

 Arose from neighbouring root ; 



The modest Violet, wayward grown, 

 Presumed to urge her suit. 

 18* 



