28 
POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
But changeful and unchanged the while 
Your first and perfect form ye show, 
The same that won Eve’s matron smile 
In the world’s opening glow. 
The stars of heaven a course are taught 
Too high above our common thought; — 
Ye may be found if ye are sought, 
And, as we gaze, we know. 
Ye dwell beside our paths and homes, 
Our paths of sin, our homes of sorrow, 
And guilty man, where’er he roams, 
Your innocent mirth may borrow. 
The birds of air before us fleet, 
They cannot brook our sbame to meet— 
But we may taste your solace sweet, 
And come again to-morrow. 
Ye fearless in your nests abide— 
Nor may we scorn, too proudly wise, 
Your silent lessons undescried 
By all but lowly eyes: 
For ye could draw the admiring gaze 
Of Him who worlds and hearts surveys: 
Your order wild, your fragrant maze, 
He taught us how to prize. 
Ye felt your Maker’s smile that hour, 
As when he paused and owned you good; 
His blessing on earth’s primal bower, 
Ye feel it all renewed. 
