fSrtoius CTalamus. 173 
In close scale-armour, that was all 
Of starry flowers made. 
If you could fancy fairy folk 
Would mimic works of ours, 
You'd think their dainty fingers here 
Had wrought mosaic flowers. 
The tiny petals, neatly formed, 
With geometric skill, 
Are each one so exactly shaped, 
Its proper place to fill. 
And stamens, like fine golden dust. 
Spangle the flowerets green; 
Aught more compact and beautiful, 
Mine eyes have never seen ! 
How well I know when first I met 
The Sweet Flag's graceful form ; 
'Twas on a glowing summer's day, 
Mid hearts as bright and warm. 
Mid hearts as warm as sunny gleams. 
And eyes as kind and bright, 
And spirits that, like sunshine too, 
Are cheering, loved, and light. 
We gathered there the Acorus 
From Claremont's quiet lake ; 
And home with me, full many a mile, 
I did the pale flower take. 
