THE ENCHANTED PLANTS. 209 
j _ -.-...n __ 
! To Flora were their vows addressed, 
j In supplicating mood ; 
The Crocus first her plaints expressed, 
And thus her grievance stood. 
Oh, Flora, cruel mother ! say, 
Why suckle me with snow ? 
And, why not let thy Crocus stay 
I Till rival beauties blow 
In spring, when every shrub and flower 
Rejoices in the sun, 
Like babe entombed at early hour. 
My shivering race is run. 
Let me but once, among the gay, 
My place with rapture find; 
Once hail the balmy breath of May, 
Thenceforward Fm resigned.” 
1 
She ceased ; another plaintive moan 
Arose from neighbouring root; 
The modest Violet, wayward grown. 
Presumed to urge her suit. 
18 * 
