90 
CROCUS. 
And sudden Hyacinths the turf bestrow, 
And flowery Crocus made the mountain glow. 
HOMER 
THE CROCUS. 
J. E. PRIOR. 
Dainty young thing 
Of life! — thou vent’rous flower, 
Who growest through the hard, cold bower 
Of wintry spring : — 
Thou various-hued, 
Soft, voiceless bell, whose spire 
Rocks in the grassy leaves like wire, 
In solitude; — 
Like patience, thou 
Art quiet in thy earth, 
Instructing Hope that Virtue’s birth 
Is Feeling’s vow. 
Thy fancied bride! — 
The delicate Snow-drop, keeps 
Her home with thee; she wakes and sleeps 
Near thy true side. 
Will man but hear! 
A simple flower can tell 
What beauties in his mind should dwell 
Through Passion’s sphere. 
