Page:The Romance of Nature; or, The Flower-Seasons Illustrated.djvu/332

206 I seemed a shadow in her path,

A cloud upon her sky,

I deemed it scorn, perchance e'en wrath,

In her averted eye.

It was her natal day. A crowd

Of cringing nothings came—

I call them nothings—for they showed

Nought noble save a name.

Aud flowers were offered—and I brought

Mine from the brook's bright rim,

With Autumn's Crocuses: not wrought

Into a garland trim.

But they were wild, and fresh, and sweet,

And innocent and fair

As she whom others sought to greet

With off'rings rich and rare.

Yet a rose-wreath her brow entwined,

By daring suitor placed;

A gay exotic was enshrined

Close by her girdled waist.