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introduction amongst us is not known. Its roots are still 
used medicinally, and its pale blossoms, opening in the 
dreary winter months, cannot fail to attract admiration, 
giving as they do a mournful grace to the then flowerless 
border. 
What time December’s chilling blast 
Has stript each bough the forest thorough, 
One flower yet decks the wintry waste, 
Like friendship in the hour of sorrow; 
And ’mid the wreck of all that’s fair, 
Throws its pale wreaths on Nature’s bier. 
With lavish sweets or dazzling bloom 
It does not mock her faded glory, 
Nor breathes, to cheat the deepening gloom, 
Of coming spring the flattering story; 
Rather’t would rouse our dormant fear, 
And this its theme, the closing year. 
The closing year—a startling sound, 
E’en when on youthful ear ’tis pealing, 
For oh ! as Time completes his round, 
This thought must o’er the breast be stealing, 
