Page:Flower Fables.djvu/143

Rh So here, along the brook-side,
 * Beneath the green old trees,

The flowers dwelt among their friends,
 * The sunbeams and the breeze.

One morning, as the flowers awoke,
 * Fragrant, and fresh, and fair,

A little worm came creeping by,
 * And begged a shelter there.

"Ah! pity and love me," sighed the worm,
 * "I am lonely, poor, and weak;

A little spot for a resting-place,
 * Dear flowers, is all I seek.

I am not fair, and have dwelt unloved
 * By butterfly, bird, and bee.

They little knew that in this dark form
 * Lay the beauty they yet may see.

Then let me lie in the deep green moss,
 * And weave my little tomb,

And sleep my long, unbroken sleep
 * Till Spring's first flowers come.

Then will I come in a fairer dress,
 * And your gentle care repay

By the grateful love of the humble worm;
 * Kind flowers, let me stay!"

But the wild rose showed her little thorns,
 * While her soft face glowed with pride;

The violet hid beneath the drooping ferns,
 * And the daisy turned aside.

Little Houstonia scornfully laughed,
 * As she danced on her slender stem;