ORCHIDS. 



As it softly comes over my ear ; 

 But sweet as it breathes when I hear it alone, 

 It breathes like a flute by a wind-spirit blown, 

 When I know thou art listening near. 



O, the music and beauty of life lose their worth 



When one heart only joys in their smile ; 



But the union of hearts gives that pleasure its birth, 



Which beams on the darkest and coldest of earth, 



Like the sun on its own chosen isle ; 



It gives to the fireside of winter its light, 



The glow, and the glitter of spring. 



O, sweet are the hours when two fond hearts unite, 



And softly they glide, in their innocent flight, 



Away on a motionless wing. 



"jfames G. Percival. 



