154 THE lover’s offering, 
’Twas only perceived that the Bishop profound, 
Clear dews from his urn sprinkled thrice on the 
ground; 
And Zephyr, or some such invisible thing, 
Thrice fluttered the air with his butterfly wing. 
At length the rites closed in a grand benediction, 
And merriment burst without any restriction. 
Now blushed in the banquet along the parterre, 
Each dainty that nature or art could prepare. 
Damask Rose on the lawn had a table-cloth spread, 
The Flesh Plant provided the dish at the head, 
And Cornbottle furnished the table with bread. 
Housewife Buttercup sent a supply from her 
churn; 
The Snowdrop iced dews in a white Crocus um; 
And Candy Tuft, skilled in the art of preserving, 
A splendid dessert had the honour of serving. 
Rose Burgundy, vintner, the goblet supplied 
With neat foreign wines, and made cowslip be¬ 
side ; 
Campanula cups, filled with gentle spring rain, 
Were served to the ladies who wished for it plain. 
And all was so elegant, splendid and rare, 
That I could not name half the fine things that 
were there: 
When finished, Snap-Dragons produced a good 
joke, 
And Rockets went up to amuse the young folk. 
