THE SNOWDROP. 
159 
“ And ever from my hidden bowers,” 
Said Spring, “ it first of all shall go, 
And be the herald of the flowers, 
To warn away the sheeted snow : 
Its mission done, then by thy side 
All summer long it shall remain. 
While other flowers I scatter wide, 
O’er every hill, and wood, and plain, 
This shall return, and ever be 
A sweet companion, Hope, for thee.” 
Hope stooped and kissed her sister Spring, 
And said, “ For hours, when thou art gone, 
I’m left alone without a thing 
That I can fix my heart upon ; 
’Twill cheer me many a lonely hour, 
And in the future I shall see 
Those who would sink raised by that flower,— 
They’ll look on it, then think of thee : 
And many a sadful heart shall sing, 
The Snowdrop bringeth Hope and Spring.” 
