THE PRIMROSE. 
The botanic name, Primula, is derived from primus, 
first, prime , or early, and hence prime-rose contracted into 
primrose. 
This little flower, in itself so fair, shows yet fairer from 
the early season of its appearance; peeping forth even from 
the retreating snows of winter. It forms a happy shade of 
union between the delicate Snow-drop and the flaming Cro¬ 
cus, which also venture forth in the very dawn of spring. 
Bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies. 
LYCIDAS. 
■-Pale primroses 
That die unmarried, ere they can behold 
Bright Phoebus in his strength. 
winter’s tale. 
The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose. 
milton’s may morning. 
Oh ! who can speak his joys when spring’s young morn 
From wood and pasture open’d on his view, 
When tender green buds blush upon the thorn, 
And the first primrose dips its leaves in dew! 
And while he pluck’d the primrose in its pride, 
He ponder’d o’er its bloom, ’tween joy and pain,* 
And a rude sonnet in its praise he tried, 
Where nature’s simple way the aid of art supplied. 
CLARE. 
( 60 ) 
