BLACK HELLEBORE, OR CHRISTMAS ROSE. 173 
but the exact time of its 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’t is pealing, 
For oh ! as Time completes his round, 
This thought must o’er the breast be stealing. 
