! 
FABLES OF FLORA 
29 
1 Why on the earth thus prostrate lie, 
Thou of the blue and beaming eye? 
Come, round this dewy primrose twine, 
That fondly bends its eye on thine.’ 
* 
1 Fair girl,’ the lowly flower replied, 
‘ The Rose must seek a gayer bride; 
The only destiny I crave, 
I find upon this nameless grave. 
‘ Each day, a pale young being kneels 
Beside this lonely mound, and feels, 
When gazing in my heavenward eye, 
Her own heart lifted to the sky. 
‘ ’T is happiness enough for me, 
To soothe her silent misery, 
And lift her erring soul to heaven, 
Where crime, repented, is forgiven.’ 
