THE FLORAL OFFERING. 
While straight through its leaves sprang a sunny-haired sprite, 
Warm and sweet with the fragrance and bloom of its bed! 
From the Lily a delicate being arose, 
As pure as the leaves that had formed her repose, 
With silvery winglets, and cheek of faint hue, 
Like the sunset-glow stealing those snowy leaves through! 
The Violet sent forth a timid young thing, 
With eyes of deep blue, and a soft dewy wing; 
While from Heart’s-ease sprang up a gay spirit and bold, 
That fluttered on pinions of purple and gold. 
The Tulip laid bare its bright heart, and a fairy 
On beautiful rainbow wings laughingly came, 
And forth from the Marygold, brilliant and airy, 
Flew one whose robe glistened with sparkles of flame. 
From the Pink with a blush stole an elegant sprite; 
From the Jasmine a sylph with a sun-tinted vest; 
And the Hyacinth oped for a being of light, 
With a boddice of blue folded over her breast. 
The Sensitive-plant at the summons shrank up; 
Then trembled and oped with a sigh, full of feeling; 
While slow from its dainty and delicate cup 
A tender, ethereal creature came stealing. 
F. S. O. 
