9‘2 
Of ladyes beautiful and gay^ 
Who must have loved the Jasmine well— 
Ventured, all humhly, then to sing 
Unto the Bard an answering strain, 
Whieh while the flower we hither bring, 
Perchance ye’ll listen to again. 
And might not e’en the Jasmine tree 
In sterner days emvi'eath the tower. 
Which now it rohes luxuriantly. 
With em’rald leaf and pearly flower ? 
Were none hut wamors tenants here— 
The armed serf, the belted knight. 
With falchion keen, and poised spear. 
Helm, shield, and cuirass gleaming bright ? 
I know they'd pass the Jasmine tree. 
Nor even glance at aught so frail. 
While o’er them waved triumphantly 
Their banner in the moniing gale: 
I know the fragrance that it cast 
Their rugged souls no joy could yield; 
They only heard the trumpet’s blast 
That called them to the battle field. 
