POETRY uit FLOWERS. 81 
TO THE SNOWDROP. 
BENEATH the changeful skies of early spring 
Emblem of human life, and frail as fair, 
Pale visitant of earth, 
I mark thy modest bloom. 
Herald of brighter scenes and calmer joys, 
When the sweet lark, enamoured of the dawn, 
Above the cottage roof 
Shall pour his melting lay; 
Though surly Winter passing from the plain 
Reluctant with his storms (while, rude and wild, 
Stern desolation marks 
His long and lonely track), 
Oft wraps thy beauty in a wreath of snow, 
And gems with icicles that faintly shine 
Below with imaged beam 
Thy cold but lovely brow ; 
I see thee smile like innocence at fate, 
Beneath his idle rage and parting storms, 
Secure of happier hours 
And skies without a cloud. 
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