The Snowdrop 



yet one Snowdrop has ventured forth, 

 and there it stands, alone in its purity, 

 with drooping head, and petals not un- 

 folded, modest, patient, unobtrusive, yet 

 calm and serene, as if assured of victory 

 over storm and cloud. The branches of 

 the trees are naked and dripping, the 

 stoutest plants have hid their blossoms ; 

 yet this fair one, apparently as tender as 

 a maiden, through some unseen strength 

 can brave the rigour of the time. We 

 hail it as the herald of deliverance, the 

 foremost of our long-lost friends. The 

 Master of the great earth-ark has s^nt 

 out His dove to stay with us, and it tells 

 us that the rest will quickly follow. In 

 this solitary coming forth, which is far 

 more beautiful when we chance to see it 

 thus amidst the melting snow, rather 

 than on the dark bare earth, the kind 

 little flower, however it may gladden us, 

 seems itself to wear an aspect almost of 

 sorrow. Yet wait another day or two 

 till the clouds have broken, and its 

 brave hope is accomplished, and the 

 solitary one has become a troop, and all 

 down the garden amongst the shrubs the 

 little white bunches are dancing gaily 

 in the breeze. Few flowers undergo 

 such striking change of aspect, so mourn- 

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