VIOLET. 
126 
Ere russet fields their green resume, 
Sweet flower ! I love, in forest bare, 
To meet thee, when thy faint perfume 
Alone is in the virgin air. 
Of all her train, the hands of Spring 
First plant thee in the watery mould ; 
And I have seen thee blossoming 
Beside the snow-bank’s edges cold. 
Thy parent sun, who bade thee view 
Pale skies, and chilling moisture sip, 
Has bathed thee in his own bright hue. 
And streaked with jet thy glowing lip. 
Yet slight thy form, and low thy seat/ 
And earthward bent thy gentle eye, 
Unapt thy passing view to meet, 
When loftier flowers are flaunting nigh. 
Oft in the sunless April day. 
Thy early smile has stayed my walk ; 
But ’midst the gorgeous bloom of May, 
I passed thee on thy humble stalk. 
So they who climb to wealth forget 
The friends in darker fortunes tried ; 
I copied them—but I regret 
That I should ape the ways of pride- 
