POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
8] 
TO THE SNOWDROP. 
hi. 
Beneath the changeful skies of early spring, 
Emblem of human life, and frail as fair, 
Pale visitant of earth, 
I mark thy modest bloom. 
Herald of brighter scenes and calmer joys, 
When the sweet lark, enamoured of the dawn, 
Above the cottage roof 
Shall pour his melting lay; 
Though surly Winter passing from the plain 
Reluctant with his storms (while, rude and wild, 
Stem desolation marks 
His long and lonely track), 
Oft wraps thy beauty in a wreath of snow, 
And gems with icicles that faintly shine 
Below with imaged beam 
Thy cold but lovely brow; 
I see thee smile like innocence at fate, 
Beneath his idle rage and parting storms, 
Secure of happier hours, 
And skies without a cloud 
So Piety, upheld by faith and hope, 
Endures serene the passing storms of life, 
With eye intent on Heaven, 
And thought already there. 
T 
