248 
TIIE LOVER’S OFFERING, 
REPLY, BY MISS MITFOIUX 
Scorn not the fragrant myrtle bough, 
Oh! gentle Minstrel, scorn not thou, 
Nor change for blossoms frail and brief, 
The bright imperishable leaf; 
Emblem of things that dearest he, 
Of love, and truth, and constancy. 
For ho that maid as snow-drop fair, 
As the first wintry primrose blows ; 
With eyes that share the bluebell’s hue. 
Or morning violets steeped in dew; 
Yet shalt thou own the myrtle bough. 
May well beseem a virgin brow. 
Let the dark wreath, with buds so pale, 
Sit crown-like on the nuptial, 
That verdant bay thyself mayst. claim, 
Large portion of that tree of fame ; 
Add laurel-spray and orange flower, 
And fair befall the bridal hour. 
COULD BE HAPPY WITH THEE, LOVE. ^ 
I could be happy with thee, love, © 
And sing like a lark in the sky; g) 
(8 I could be happy with thee, love, (k 
g) Contented on earth till I die. ») 
(I The spring has its garlands of flowers, eg 
ch The summer its fruits and its grain, ck 
p. The autumn has bright sunny bowers, (g 
^ But my heart hath sorrow and pain. 
