THE COWSLIP. 
Unfolding to the "breeze of May, 
The Cowslip greets the vernal ray ; 
The topaz and the ruby gem, 
Her blossom’s simple diadern ; 
And, as the dew-drops gently fall, 
They tip with pearls her coronal. 
In princely halls and courts of kings 
Its lustrous ray the diamond flings ; 
Yet few of those who see its beam. 
Amid the torch-light’s dazzling gleam, 
As bright as though a meteor shone. 
Can call the costly prize their own. 
But gems of every form and hue 
Are glittering here in morning dew ; 
Jewels that all alike may share 
As freely as the common air ; 
No niggard hand, or jealous eye. 
Protects them from the passer by. 
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