THE BOUQUET. 
20 
That kindled in the poet’s eye, 
And felt she scarce could wish to claim 
Her flowers from such a destiny. 
“ Forever must my bower remain 
“ Without a Rose to blossom near 
“ E’er I can deck it o’er again 
“ With treasures gather’d here. 
“ No ! let the minstrel’s ardent <raze 
Cl 
“ Beam on their beauties Ions:, 
“Though lowly, they have power to raise 
“ High thoughts for tuneful song; 
“ And though so perishable, still 
“ They may inspire a lay 
“ Whose melody the world shall thrii! 
“ ’Til Time’s remotest day ! 
“ Then let the priest of Nature keep 
“ Her offspring fair—for it is meet 
“ Their incense breath should round him float 
“ And mingle with the anthems sweet 
“ That, from his soul’s pure alter rise, 
“ Like grateful offerings to the skies !” 
And musing thus the Fairy flew 
From the Bard’s dwelling, to renew 
Her fond pursuit. With wondering air 
She paus’d beside a mansion fair. 
As palaces in sunny lands 
That stately home was bright 
With the rich treasures wealth commands 
And gems that taste and art delight 
To lavish on their shrine. 
It seem’d that pleasure’s thrilling song 
Might ever echo round those walls 
