Page:Literary Souvenir 1831.pdf/11



better than the lady rose Love I this little flower? Because its fragrant leaves are those I loved in childhood's hour.

Tho' many a flower may win my praise, The violet has my love; I did not pass my childish days In garden or in grove:

My garden was the window-seat, Upon whose edge was set A little vase,—the fair, the sweet,— It was the violet.

It was my pleasure and my pride;— How I did watch its growth! For health and bloom, what plans I tried, And often injured both.

I placed it in the summer shower, I placed it in the sun; And ever, at the evening hour, My work seemed half undone.