THE FLOWER PAINTER. 



"She learned the dearest haunts in vale and wild 

 Of summer's fairy nurslings. In her eyes 

 The opening buds beheld with glad surprise 



Such loving recognition, that thev smiled 



Ecstatic welcome. Nature, pleased and mild, 

 Guided her hand to seek the precious dyes 

 Kept hidden since the loss of Paradise, 



And with pure sense and spirit undefiled 



She shared the secret with each flower that grew. 

 Beneath her touch the treasures manifold 



Of fading summers lived in beauty new. 

 The rose with glowing blush its story told, 

 Violet and heart's-ease breathed in blue and gold, 



And spotless lilies sparkled with the dew. 



.And then her hand grew weary ; full and deep 

 The cup of life and love, and beauty's ray 

 Crowned her young brow, as on her bridal day. 



Not hers the doom to linger and to weep. 



