INTRODUCTION. XXXI 



From fleecy clouds of pearly hue 



Had dropt a short but balmy shower, 

 That hung like gems of morning dew 



On every tree and every flower. 



And from the blackbird's mellow throat 



Was pour'd so loud and long a swell, 

 As echoed with responsive note 



From mountain side and shadowy dell. 



When, bursting forth to life and light, 



The offspring of enraptured May, 

 The BUTTERFLY, on pinions bright, 



Lanch'd in full splendour on the day. 



Unconscious of a mother's care, 



No infant wretchedness she knew ; 

 But as she felt the vernal air, 



At once to full perfection grew. 



Her slender form, ethereal light, 



Her velvet-textured wings enfold ; 

 With all the rainbow's colours bright, 



And dropt with spots of burnish'd gold. 



Trembling with joy a while she stood, 



And felt the sun's enlivening ray ; 

 Drank from the skies the vital flood, 



And wonder'd at her plumage gay ! 



And balanced oft her broider'd wings, 

 Through fields of air prepared to sail ; 



Then on her vent'rous journey springs, 

 And floats along the rising gale. 



