NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE 137 



and summer, and will not blow till most plants begin to 

 fade and run to seed. This circumstance is one of the 

 wonders of the creation, little noticed because a common 

 occurrence ; yet ought not to be overlooked on account 

 of its being familiar, since it would be as difficult to be 

 explained as the most stupendous phenomenon in nature. 



" Say, what impels, amidst surrounding snow 

 Congeal'd ; the crocus' flamy bud to glow ? 

 Say, what retards, amidst the summer's blaze, 

 Th' autumnal bulb, till pale, declining days ? 



The GOD of SEASONS ; whose pervading power 

 Controls the sun, or sheds the fleecy shower : 

 He bids each flower his quickening word obey, 

 Or to each lingering bloom enjoins delay." 



VOL. II. 



