SNOWDROP; 
OR, 
FAIR MAID OF FEBRUARY. 
(Friend in Need — Hope.) 
HE snowdrop is dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and 
tradition asserts that it blooms on the second of 
February, or Candlemas Day—the day kept in 
celebration of the Holy Virgin taking the Child Jesus to 
the Jewish Temple, and there presenting the appointed 
offering of two turtle doves. 
THE SNOWDROP. 
WESTWOOD. 
The snowdrop is the herald of the flowers, 
Sent with its small white flag of truce to plead 
For its beleaguered brethren : suppliantly, 
It prays stern winter to withdraw his troop 
Of winds and blustering storms ; and having won 
A smile of promise from his pitying face, 
Returns to tell the issue of its errand, 
To the expectant host. 
