84 THE MILKWOET FAMILY. 



This plant ever brings to mind, one lovely summer's 

 day, in early childhood, when in one of our distant 

 rambles we first discovered, a beautiful patch of the 

 Milkwort ; and in all its colours. The joy of such a 

 discovery, has since been recorded in verse, by the 

 dear companion of many an early ramble. May such 

 enjoyment, in the discovery of a new flower, be in 

 store for you. 



To THE MILKWOET. 



Oh ! full of childhood's memories, 



Sacred and sweet, 

 Year after year, with eager eyes, 



Thee still I greet ! 

 I love thee, for thou hast the power, 

 To bring me back that joyous hour, 

 "When first I mark'd thy simple flower 



Bloom at my feet, 



And thou couldst thrill my heart with unknown pleasure 

 Another flower a new one? oh! what treasure. 

 I know not when, I know not where 



The prize I found ; 

 But well I can recall the air 



That breathed around. 

 The breezy down, the fragrant thyme, 

 The clear, soft sky of summer's prime ; 

 Thou bring' st them back like some faint chime 



Of far off sound ! 



On the still ear through din and tumult stealing, 

 And to the listening heart sweet melodies revealing. 



ANNA J. TIDAL, 



