6o 
The Poetry of Flowers. 
SPRING FLOWERS. 
BY SHAKESPEARE. 
Daffodils 
That come before the swallow dares, and take 
The winds of March with beauty; Violets dim, 
But sweeter than the lids of Juno’s eyes, 
Or Cytherea’s breath ; pale Primroses, 
That die unmarried, ere they can behold 
Bright Phoebus in his strength ; 
Bold Oxlips, and 
The crown imperial; Lilies of all kinds, 
The flower-de-luce being one. 
BOWING ADORERS. 
BY CLARE. 
Bowing adorers of the gale, 
Ye Cowslips delicately pale, 
Upraise your loaded stems ; 
Unfold your cups in splendour; speak ! 
Who decked you with that ruddy streak, 
And gilt your golden gems ? 
Violets, sweet tenants of the shade, 
In purple’s richest pride arrayed, 
Your errand here fulfil; 
Go, bid the artist’s simple strain 
Your lustre imitate in vain, 
And match your Maker’s skill. 
Daisies, ye flowers of lowly birth, 
Embroid’rers of the carpet earth, 
That stud the velvet sod ; 
Open to Spring’s refreshing air, 
In sweetest smiling bloom declare 
Your Maker, and my God. 
