Page:Flower Fables.djvu/144

132 While the cowslip bent to the rippling waves,
 * And whispered the tale to them.

A blue-eyed grass looked down on the worm,
 * As it silently turned away.

And cried, "Thou wilt harm our delicate leaves,
 * And therefore thou canst not stay."

Then a sweet, soft voice, called out from far,
 * "Come hither, poor worm, to me;

The sun lies warm in this quiet spot,
 * And I'll share my home with thee."

The wondering flowers looked up to see
 * Who had offered the worm a home:

'T was a clover-blossom, whose fluttering leaves
 * Seemed beckoning him to come;

It dwelt in a sunny little nook,
 * Where cool winds rustled by,

And murmuring bees and butterflies came,
 * On the flower's breast to lie.

Down through the leaves the sunlight stole,
 * And seemed to linger there,

As if it loved to brighten the home
 * Of one so sweet and fair.

Its rosy face smiled kindly down,
 * As the friendless worm drew near;

And its low voice, softly whispering, said
 * "Poor thing, thou art welcome here;

Close at my side, in the soft green moss,
 * Thou wilt find a quiet bed,

Where thou canst softly sleep till Spring,
 * With my leaves above thee spread.

I pity and love thee, friendless worm,
 * Though thou art not graceful or fair;