58 
SNOW-DROP. 
Auspicious to the Muse’s prayer, 
The freshening gale 
Embalms the vale, 
And breathes enchantment through the air 
On its wing 
Floats the spring 
With glowing eye, and golden hair: 
Dark before her the Angel-form 
She drives the Demon of the storm, 
Like Gladness chasing Care. 
Winter’s gloomy night withdrawn, 
Lo ! the young romantic Hours 
Search the hill, the dale, the lawn, 
To behold the SNOW-DROP white 
Start to light. 
And shine in Flora’s desert bowers. 
Beneath the vernal dawn, 
The Morning Star of Flowers ! 
O welcome to our isle, 
Thou Messenger of peace ! 
At whose bewitching smile 
The embattled tempests cease : 
Emblem of Innocence and Truth ! 
First-born of Nature’s womb, 
When strong in renovated youth. 
She bursts from Winter’s tomb ; 
