THE POETRY OF FLOWERS. 139 
Spring’s darling, nature’s pride, the sylvan’s 
queen— 
To her at eve enamour’d Zephyr glideth, 
Trembling, she bids him waft aside her screen, 
And to his kisses wakes—the Flora of the scene. 
—«- 
THE NARCISSUS. 
BY GAY. 
Here young Narcissus o’er the fountain stood, 
And view’d his image in the crystal flood; 
The crystal flood reflects his lovely charms, 
And the pleased image strives to meet his arms. 
No nymph his inexperienced breast subdued, 
Echo in vain the flying boy pursued. 
Himself alone, the foolish youth admires, 
And with fond look the smiling shade desires; 
O’er the smooth lake with fruitless tears he 
grieves; 
His spreading fingers shoot in verdant leaves: 
Through his pale veins green sap now gently flows, 
And in a short-lived flower his beauty blows. 
Let vain Narcissus warn each female breast, 
That beauty’s but a transient good at best; 
Like flowers it withers with th’ advancing year. 
And age like winter robs the blooming fair. 
