GOSSIP WITH A BOUQUET OF SPRING FLOWERS. 93 



While those who never journey'd half as far 

 Make sundry volumes, and expect the w^orld 

 To reverently peruse, and magnify 

 What it well knew before. 



Most glorious Rose, 

 You are the queenly belle. On you, all eyes 

 Admiring turn. Doubtless, you might indite 

 Romances from your own remembrances. 

 They're all the fashion now, and fill the page 

 Of many a periodical. Wilt tell 

 None of your heart-adventures ? Mighty cross 

 To hoard them all so secretly. Well ! well ! 

 I can detect the zephyr's stolen kiss, 

 In your red blush ;— and what's the use to seal 

 Your lips so cunningly, — when all the world 

 Call you the flower of love. 



And now, good bye, 

 A pleasant gossip have 1 had with you, 

 Obliging visitants,— but must away 

 To graver things. Still keep your incense fresh 

 And free to speak to Him, who tints your brows. 

 Bidding the brown mould and unsightly stem 

 Put forth such blaze of beauty, as translates 

 To dullest hearts. His dialect 6f love. 



