w 



EVENING PRIMROSE 



HEN the sun sinks in the west, 



And dew-drops pearl the Evening's breast ; 



Almost as pale as moonbeams are, 



Or its companionable star. 



The Evening Primrose opes anew 



Its delicate blossoms to the dew ; 



And hermit-like, shunning the light. 



Wastes its fair bloom upon the Night ; 



Who, blindfold to its fond caresses. 



Knows not the beauty he possesses. 



Thus it blooms on while Night is by ; 



When Day looks out with open eye, 



'Bashed at the gaze it cannot shun. 



It faints, and withers, and is gone. 



JOHN CLARE. 



G 



ROSE OF SHARON 



O, pretty child, and bear this flower 

 Unto thy little Saviour ; 

 And tell him, by that bud now blown. 

 He is the Rose of Sharon known. 

 When thou hast said so, stick it there 

 Upon his bib or stomacher ; 

 And tell him, for good handsel too. 

 That thou hast brought a whistle new, 

 Made of a clean straight oaten reed, 

 To charm his cries at time of need. 

 Tell him, for coral thou hast none. 

 But if thou hadst, he should have one ; 



49 



