LILY OF THE VALLEY, 
Sweets to the Sweet. 
To -the Lily's sister, -with a tiny vase full of Lilies of the Valley. 
This morn when Aurora above the lake bent, love 
To tie up the braids of her pale, golden hair, 
While the gleam of each tress to its small ripples lent, love, 
Looked just like a star broke and fallen in there. 
Away from their banquet the fairies I frightened, 
For I shook from a wet spray a shower-bath of dew, 
And their luminous ringlets all quivered and lightened 
Like fire-flies around me, as swiftly they flew. 
Their cut-diamond dinner-set with them departed, 
But one painted vase, full of lilies, was left,— 
Their stateliest treasure—forgot when they started— 
I clasped it and ran—oh! forgive me the theft! 
And take it, dear maiden,—and while you are stealing 
The sigh that my fairy bouquet breathes for you, 
Remember the flowers of Fancy and Feeling 
We’ve twined in bright hours too fleet and too few! 
F. S. O. 
17 
