DIRGE OF FLOWERS. 
The fair, meek blossom that grew up 
and faded by my side; 
In the cold moist earth we laid her when 
the forest cast the leaf. 
And we wept that one so lovely 
should have a life so brief; 
Yet not unmeet it was, that one, 
like that young friend of ours, 
So gentle and so beautiful, 
should perish with the flowers. 
TO BLOSSOMS. 
HERRICK. 
Fair pledges of a fruitful tree, 
Why do ye fall so fast ? 
Your date is not so past. 
But you may stay here yet awhile, 
To blush and gently smile. 
And go at last. 
What, were ye born to be 
An hour or half’s delight. 
And so to bid good-night 1 
’Twas pity Nature brought ye forth 
Merely to show your worth, 
And lose you quite. 
