COWSLIP. 
27 
These flowers furnish an abundant supply of honey 
to the bee ; for 
“ Rich in vegetable gold, 
From calyx pale the freckled cowslip born, 
Receives in amber cups the fragrant dews of morn. ’ 
THE COWSLIP. 
MBS. SIGOURNEY. 
Good neighbor cowslip, I have seen the bee 
Whispering to you, and have been told he stays 
Quite long and late amid your golden cells. 
Is it not business that he comes upon— 
Matter of fact ? He never waits an hour. 
Know you that he’s a subtle financier, 
And shows some gain for every day he spends ? 
Oh ! learn from him the priceless worth of time, 
Thou fair and frail ! So shalt thou prove the truth. 
That he who makes companion of the wise 
Shall in their wisdom share. 
COWSLIPS. 
MARY HOWITT. 
Oh ! fragrant dwellers of the lea. 
When first the wildwood rings 
With each sound of vernal minstrelsy, 
When fresh the green grass springs ! 
