CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 



With a fragrance aromatic, with a wild and careless 



grace, 



-Vs if somehow to the garden came the freedom of 



the woods, 



Lifts each fair chrysanthemum her dear, captivating face, 



Filled with sympathy for us, in our fluctuating moods. 



\Vhite as bridal robe of beauty, flushed with crimson, 

 blushing deep, 

 Flaming high with gold, which, torch-like, flings a 

 glory on the air, — 

 Through all changes seems this flower vestal purity to 

 keep. 

 And its breath hath less of passion than of soft, 

 entreating prayer. 



Most, I deem, like woman's courage, strongest when the 

 skies are drear. 

 Is this fearless loveliness, lighting bravely all the way, 

 Through the autumn weeks, till winter with its storms 

 shall close the year. 

 And the fury of the tempest whirl athwart the dark- 

 '■ning day. 



Margaret E. Sans:ster, 



