SSnofotoo}). 15 
Snowdrop. ... Hope. 
The Snowdrop is looked upon as the herald of the 
approach of flower-wreathed Spring. The north winds 
howl; the naked branches of the trees are white with 
frost; the earth is carpeted with the virgin snow; the 
feathered musicians are silent; and stern Winter’s icy 
hand chills the rivulet till it ceases to murmur. At 
this season, a tender flower springs up amid the snow, 
expands its blossoms, and leads thought to the verdant 
hours to come. This beautiful sign of awakening Na¬ 
ture may aptly be considered as the emblem of Hope. 
The Snowdrop, winter’s timid child, 
Awakes to life bedewed with tears, 
And flings around its fragrance mild; 
And, where no rival flowerets bloom, 
Amidst the bare and chilling gloom 
A beauteous gem appears. 
All weak and wan, with head inclined, 
Its parent breast the drifted snow, 
It trembles, while the ruthless wind 
Bends its slim form; the tempest lowers, 
Its emerald eye drops crystal showers 
On its cold bed below. 
Where’er I find thee, gentle flower, 
Thou still art sweet and dear to me ; 
For I have known the cheerless hour, 
Have seen the sunbeams cold and pale, 
Have felt the chilling wintry gale, 
And wept and shrunk, like thee ! 
Mary Robinson. 
