FABLES OF FLORA. 117 
Comes in turn to bloom and perish. 
But first of all the Violet, with an eye 
Blue as the midnight heavens s the frail Snowdrop, 
Bom of the breath of Winter, and on his brow 
Fixed like a pale and solitary star; 
The languid Hyacinth, and pale Primrose, 
And Daisy, trodden down like modesty; 
Lilachs , and flowering Limes, and scented Thoms.’ 
FABLE XXXIV. 
The Lilach. 
A Lilach near a casement grew, 
Enveloped in a cypress’ shade, 
And veiled as sacredly from view 
As some sweet harem-maid. 
‘ A hapless destiny is thine,’ 
A Flowering-Almond kindly said, 
1 To pass thy life in that dim shrine, 
O’ershtouded like the dead.’ 
* Thon judgest from the outward show,’ 
The Lilach cheerfully replied; 
‘ Couldst thou my hidden pleasures know, 
Thou wouldst not so decide. 
Tis true, I gaze not on the skies; 
But in my cool, serene retreat, 
I see the golden sun arise, 
And feel his softened heat. 
