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190 POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
For mercy guides the fiercest gale, 
And halcyon skies again prevail.” 
Happy are those alone who aim 
In duty’s quiet path to shine, 
And, careless of the meed of fame, 
Unseen their fairest garlands twine; 
Whilst He, whose eye in secret sees, 
To them the Amaranth crown decrees. 
SONNET. 
From ‘‘ THOUGHTS DURING SICKNESS.” 
Wextcome, O pure and lovely forms, again 
Unto the shadowy stillness of my room ! 
For not alone ye bring a joyous train 
Of Summer-thoughts attendant on your bloom— 
Visions of freshness, of rich bowery gloom, 
Of the low murmurs filling mossy dells, 
Of stars that looked down on your folded bells ; 
Through dewy leaves, of many a wild perfume 
Greeting the wanderer of the hill and grove 
Like sudden music; more than this ye bring— 
Far more; ye whisper of the all-fostering love, 
Which thus hath clothed you, and whose dove- 
like wing 
Broods o’er the sufferer drawing fevered breath, 
Whether the couch be that of life or death, 

