144 
THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
He heeded not the call; 
But dreamed of notes more rich and rare, 
And worshipped still that light afar — 
The gentler and the purer star. 
He was among them all — 
The bright, the young, the fair; 
But ruby lips were vainly wreathed, 
And timid sighs as vainly breathed, 
For him in pleasure’s hall; 
He might not greet her there — 
The one he loved, the light afar — 
The gentler and the purer star. 
He was among them all — 
The bright, the young, the fair; 
When eyes looked soft in the moon’s soft light, 
And tones grew low like the breath of night, 
Or music’s dying fall, 
Still, still, unconquered there. 
His heart was hers who dwelt afar — 
The gentler and the purer star. 
He was among them all — 
The bright, the young, the fair— 
Only to dream of hours more sweet, 
Wishing that he were at her feet, 
Not midst the festive hall; 
To see again her golden hair, 
Bound up for him — his light afar — 
The gentler and the purer star. 
Lucr Hooper. 
