16. THE YELLOW VIOLET. 



A \ J HEN beechen buds begin to swell, 



And woods the bluebird's warble know, 

 The yellow violet's modest bell 



Peeps from the last year's leaves below. 



Ere russet fields their green resume, 

 Sweet flower, I love, in forest bare, 



To meet thee, when thy faint perfume 

 Alone is in the virgin air. 



Of all her train, the hands of spring 

 First plant thee in the watery mould, 



And I have seen thee blossoming 

 Beside the snow-bank's edges cold. 



Thy parent sun, who bade thee view 

 Pale skies, and chilling moisture sip, 



Has bathed thee in his own bright hue, 

 And streaked with jet thy glowing lip. 



Yet slight thy form, and low thy seat, 

 And earthward bent thy gentle eye, 

 Unapt the passing view to meet, 



When loftier flowers are flaunting nigh. 



38 



