ILLUSTRATION OF THE PLATE. 
The Crocus. 
“ I bring thee smiles.” 
The knight was weary, the knight was worn, 
And his thoughts were sad and dim, 
When a fair young maiden was seen to pluck 
A cluster of flowers for him. 
She came to his door with a smile so soft, 
And she called in a voice so low, 
That the weary knight no heart had he 
To bid such a vision go. 
I have brought thee smiles, said the lady fair, 
And she held up the saffron flowers, 
May they beam as tokens of joy to thee, 
A light for thy weary hours. 
The knight looked long on her sunny brow, 
And long on her hand so small, 
Then he placed on his breast the proffered gift, 
“ Sweet lady, must this be all 1” 
Strange hopes beamed bright in the knight’s dark ey 
And I’ve heard the gossips tell 
That the maiden blushed with the sweet surprise, 
Tet feared to break the spell. 
L. IT 
