186 
POETKY OF FLOWERS. 
Thoughts came o’er him calm and holy, 
And ho blesseth, praiseth God 
For the flowers of life that ever twine around his 
chastening rod. 
THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. 
Welcome in our leafless bower 
Where November’s breath has come ; 
Welcome golden-anthered flower, 
Ever fair chrysanthemum ! 
Like an old friend’s pleasant face— 
Though the earth is void of grace, 
And the very birds are dumb, 
Cheerful, gay chrysanthemum! 
• 
Thus may I have round me when 
Age’s frost my heart shall numb. 
Friends as warm and constant then 
As thou art, chrysanthemum ! 
May I find, though youth be past. 
Hearts that loved me to the last. 
Eyes that smile, though winter come. 
Bright as thou, chrysanthemum 
