92 
POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
THE COWSLIP. 
Cowslips, so simple, yet so exquisitely finished, are 
plentiful in the meadows and pastures of England and 
other pai’ts of Europe, though only upon a soil of clay or 
chalk. They are beautiful flowers, yellow and white. 
Now, in my walk, with sweet surprise, 
I see the first spring Cowslip rise, 
The plant whose pensile flowers 
Bend to the earth their beauteous eyes, 
In sunshine as in showers. 
Low on a mossy hank it grew, 
Where lichens purple, red, and blue, 
Among the verdure crept; 
Its yellow ringlets, dropping dew, 
The breezes lightly swept. 
A bee had nestled on its bloom, 
He shook abroad their rich perfume, 
Then fled in airy rings; 
His place a butterfly assumes, 
Glancing his glorious wings. 
Oh! welcome as a friend ! I cried, 
A friend through many a season tried, 
And never sought in vain, 
When May, with Flora at her side, 
Is dancing on the plain. 
