126 
CEREUS. 
Who stamp’d thee with the lineaments of grace, 
But veil’d thy birth and short-lived bloom in darkness ; 
Some end beneficent design’d, though far 
Beyond or human ken or comprehension ! — 
Earth’s lowliest herb is eloquent of Him , 
The Great Supreme! and thou, mysterious flower, 
Fair glory of the night! might Fancy give 
Thy voice interpretation, couldst unfold 
Why form’d so fair, and why ordain’d to spend 
Thy sweets nectareous in nocturnal gloom. 
