Page:Roses in Rain, by Lilian Wooster Greaves, 1910.pdf/26



Maybe the violets all were blue When they in Eden’s garden grew. Straight stood they, mirroring the skies, Till they encountered Eve’s sweet eyes; When, owning her more beauteous far Than bending sky or flashing star, They bowed in homage, sweet to sweet, And bent to kiss her fair white feet; But paled with fear as thro’ the grass They saw the slimy serpent pass !

Or maybe, once when years were young, the
 * violets all were white,

Till the angel of the flowers came down in
 * morning’s glowing light,

To gather him a garland of the fairest
 * flowers of all;

And he chose the wee white flowers clustered
 * near a garden wall.

“My sweetest ones, the Master calls for you
 * this sunny morn,

One of HiB many palaces in glory to adorn." But, shrinking 'neath their tender leaves,
 * they answered modestly,

“Nay, surely, angel, there are flowers more
 * beautiful than wo.”

But tenderly the angel raised each humble
 * drooping head,