THE POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
171 
TO THE JESSAMINE. 
BY MISS JANE TAYLOR. 
Sweet jessamine, long may thy elegant flower 
Breathe fragrance and solace for me : 
And long thy green sprigs overshadow the bower 
Devoted to friendship and thee. 
The eye that was dazzled where lilies and roses 
Their brilliant assemblage display’d, 
With grateful delight on thy verdure reposes, 
A tranquil and delicate shade. 
But ah! what dejection that foliage expresses, 
Which pensively droops on her breast! 
The dew of the evening has laden her tresses, 
And stands like a tear on her crest. 
I’ll watch by thy side through the gloom of the 
night 
Impatient till morning appears: 
No charm can awaken this heart to delight, 
My jessamine, while thou art in tears. 
But soon will the shadows of night be withdrawn. 
Which ever in mercy are given; 
And thou shalt be cheer’d by the light of the morn, 
Ard fann’d by the breezes of heaven. 
