FABLES OF FLORA. 19 
MOSS. 
The different varieties of mosses form one of 
the most beautiful products of the vegetable 
world. Early in Spring, as soon as the snow 
begins to melt from the banks, the mosses gleam 
forth from beneath, as green as the grass of June. 
There is a little German legend, that tells of the 
Angel of Flowers—that he one day offered to 
bestow on the Rose any boon it might ask. The 
Rose demanded a new grace. 
‘ The Spirit paused in silent thought s 
What grace was there that flower had not I 
’T was but a moment — o’er the Rose 
A veil of moss the angel throws.' 
FABLE V. 
The Moss. 
A stream went singing through the wood 
A low, delicious, dreamy tune ; 
And all along its borders stood 
The gay and blushing flowers of June. 
A fair girl with her lover came 
To this wild, solitary place; 
His was an eye of thought and flame, 
Hers shone with soft and pensive grace. 
