THE ENCHANTED PLANTS. 207 



Forth from the glittering veil, behold, 

 In insect trappings, green and gold, 



A faery figure sprung, 

 Her wand a cowslip's stamen seemed, 

 And on her head like diamonds beamed 



A casque with dew-drops hung. 



Her silken pinions as she flew, 

 Seemed by their size and purple hue, 



Spoils of the flowers she left : 

 She soared aloft and touched mine ear, 

 While I, half pleased, half dead with fear, 



Remained of speech bereft. 



Then first a small, melodious tone, 

 Before to mortal wight unknown, 



Struck my enraptured sense ; 

 " Flora," it murmured, " grants thy prayer, 

 Long have her treasures been thy care, 



Receive thy recompense." 



This said, she vanished from my sight, 

 And since, with ever new delight, 

 I tend my fragrant hoards ; 



