THE ENCHANTED PLANTS. 
20y 
To Flora were their vows addressed, 
In supplicating mood ; 
The Crocus first her plaints expressed, 
And thus her grievance stood. 
u Oh, Flora, cruel mother ! say, 
Why suckle me with snow ? 
And, why not let thy Crocus stay 
Till rival beauties blow ? 
“ In spring, when every shrub and flower 
Rejoices in the sun, 
Like babe entombed at early hour, 
My shivering race is run. 
u Let me but once, among the gay, 
My place with rapture find; 
Once hail the balmy breath of May, 
Thenceforward I’m resigned.” 
She ceased ; another plaintive moan 
Arose from neighbouring root; 
The modest Violet, wayward grown, 
Presumed to urge her suit. 
18 * 
