NONIAN. 



TRAILING ARBUTUS. 



Beneath protecting leaves, 

 Secure from prying thieves, 

 Fair Epigsea's face 

 Reveals its maiden grace. 



When cruel winter goes, 

 When sunshine melts the snows: 

 She lifts her gentle head 

 From of her leafy bed. 



Half coy, and half slighting, 

 Her glance is still inviting, 

 She does not seek to hide, 

 Nor dares she yet confide. 



Sweet blossom, do not fear; 

 I'll leave thee growing here ; 

 I love thee far too well 

 Thy whispered thought to tell. 



Live safe beside the way; 

 The spot I'll ne'er betray; 

 But though I fail to speak, 

 Thy home I'll often seek. 



W. Whitman Bailey. 



