THE WILD THORNY POPPY 



Let Nature pause and rest awhile, since she 

 Hath placed such queenly crown upon thy stem, 

 Like gallant knights bedecked with nodding plumes, 

 And bowing low with courtly grace to give 

 Good heed to all commands of evening winds; 

 When, like a globe of crimson flame, the sun 

 Sinks out of sight within the Western sea, 

 Thou flingest all thy banners out to view; 

 Thy tresses shine to match the stars, when kissed 

 By moon, and dripping with the dew. 



44 



