2 2 February. 
That leaf betokened freedom nigh 
To mournful captives there ; 
Thy flower foretells a sunnier sky, 
And chides the dark despair 
By Winter’s chilling influence flung 
O’er spirits sunk and nerves unstrung. 
And sweetly has kind Nature’s hand 
Assigned thy dwelling place 
Beneath a flower whose blooms expand, 
With fond congenial grace, 
On many a desolated pile, 
Brightening decay with beauty’s smile. 
Thine is the flower of Hope, whose hue 
Is bright with coming joy ; 
The wallflower's that of Faith, too true 
For ruin to destroy : 
And where, O ! where should Hope up-spring 
But under Faith's protecting wing. 
Barton. 
TO THE CROCUS. 
Lowly, sprightly little flower ! 
Herald of a brighter bloom, 
Bursting in a sunny hour 
From thy Winter tomb. 
