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. 
