Page:Flower Fables.djvu/146

134 Then her sister flowers scornfully cried,
 * As they waved in the summer air,

"The ugly worm was friendless and poor;
 * Little Clover, why shouldst thou care?

Then watch no more, nor dwell alone,
 * Away from thy sister flowers;

Come, dance and feast, and spend with us
 * These pleasant summer hours.

We pity thee, foolish little flower,
 * To trust what the false worm said;

He will not come in a fairer dress,
 * For he lies in the green moss dead."

But little Clover still watched on,
 * Alone in her sunny home;

She did not doubt the poor worm's truth,
 * And trusted he would come.

At last the small cell opened wide,
 * And a glittering butterfly,

From out the moss, on golden wings,
 * Soared up to the sunny sky.

Then the wondering flowers cried aloud,
 * "Clover, thy watch was vain;

He only sought a shelter here,
 * And never will come again."

And the unkind flowers danced for joy,
 * When they saw him thus depart;

For the love of a beautiful butterfly
 * Is dear to a flower's heart.

They feared he would stay in Clover's home,
 * And her tender care repay;