22 
Floral Poetry , 
SONGS OF THE FLOWERS. 
SNOWDROP. 
H URSLING of the new-born year, 
Sporting with the tempest’s might, 
Like the snowflake I appear, 
Robed in winter’s vestal white. 
CROCUS. 
Forth from my bulbous dwelling 
I leapt at the summons of Spring, 
What herald of emperor’s telling 
So gorgeous a tabard could bring ? 
SWEET VIOLET. 
Born on a sloping bank, ’neath an old hawthorn tree, 
I shrank from the passing gaze, like a maiden, timidly, 
Till the wooing winds of March came whispering such a tale, 
That I op’d my balmy stores to enrich their healthful gale. 
PRIMROSE. 
Near to a prattling stream, 
Or under the hedgerow trees, 
I bask in the sun’s glad beam, 
And list to the passing breeze. 
When the village school is o’er, 
And the happy children free, 
Gladly they seek to explore 
Haunts that are perfumed by me. 
