THE WOOD VIOLET. 



By LOUIS J. STELLMANN. 



Quaint speck of brightness from a woodland slope 



Half shy ; half saucy,, on your fragile stem ; 

 You speak to me of Life's most radiant Hope, 

 Because the hand that plucked you from the earth 

 Is hers who gave my heart and soul rebirth, 



As beautiful as Christ's at Bethlehem ; 

 As strong as Caesar's, with the world to cope. 



Dear, tiny, floral token of a day, 



Made holier than all, because She stood 

 Beside me — I will put my cares away 

 And feel Her presence, mirrored in your face ; — 

 Piquant with subtle witchery and grace, 



As was Her own, when, in the fragrant wood, 

 I watched the magic of \\w feature-play. 



445 



