100 
THE COWSLIP. 
to it the sentiment to which we have con¬ 
nected the flower. 
ILLUSTRATION OP THE SENTIMENT 
Now, in my walk, with sweet surprise, 
I see the first spring Cowslip rise. 
The plant whose pensile flowers 
Bend to the earth their beauteous eyes, 
In sunshine and in showers. 
Low on a mossy bank it grew, 
Where lichens, purple, red and blue, 
Among the verdure crept; 
Its yellow ringlets, dropping dew, 
The breezes lightly swept. 
A bee had nestled on its bloom, 
He shook abroad the rich perfume, 
Then fled in airy rings; 
His place a butterfly assumes, 
Glancing his glorious wings. 
“ Oh ! welcome! as a friend!” I cried, 
A friend through many a season tried, 
And never sought in vain, 
When May, with Flora by her side. 
Is dancing on the plain. 
