Slconis (talamus. 
175 
Of the gold and red ranunculus, 
In varied shape and shade. 
Oh ! many a young and guileless heart 
Is blithe as blithe can be, 
To walk through Norwich streets that morn, 
The decked out bowers to see. 
In far gone times, ere folks had grown 
So mighty nice and clever — 
When carpets were unh'*ard-of things. 
And druggets dreamed of never — ■ 
When wide bare floors of good hard mud 
Or stone, not over even. 
Were all that unto knightly strides. 
Or dames' light steps, were given — 
When common rushes strewed the halls 
Where royal banquets were — 
How precious must these reeds have been 
Beside the banks of Tare ! 
I can fancy high and dainty dames 
Sending stout serving-men 
To gather store of these sweet Flags, 
From river, pool, and fen. 
Perhaps to strew a lady's bower. 
Perhaps the castle hall. 
Where warlike lords and knights should meet 
At stately festival. 
