VI.

The bine-weed pure and pale,
That sues to all for aid,
And when rude storms assail
Her snowy virgin veil,

Doth like some timid maid,

In conscious weakness most secure,
Unscathed its sternest shocks endure.

VII.

How fair her pendant wreath
O'er bush and brake is twining!

While meekly there beneath,
Mid fern and blossomed heath,

Her lowlier sister's shining;

Tinged with the blended hues that streak A slumbering infant's tender cheek.

VIII.

And there Vimiria * weaves

Her light and feathery bowers,

Mid russet-shaded leaves,

Where robin sits and grieves

Your hasting death, sweet flowers! He sings your requiem all the day, And mourns because ye pass away.

A traveller's joy.

STANZAS.

I.

In early flowers of spring,

Thy youthful charms I see;

In summer birds, that sing,

Thy virgin glee :

As corn that waves in autumn's glow,

Thy tresses unconfined—

An emblem of thy mind,

In winter's snow!

II.

A fount of tenderness,

Pure, calm, and deep,

As thoughts, when mother's bless

An infant's sleep

Is of its overflow beguiled,

When thou, with fond caress,

Dost to thy bosom press

A playful child.

III.

In thee receive their birth,

Sweet smiles, and holy tears;

Youth's hour of graceful mirth,

And maiden fears;

With "answers soft," that "wrath " disarm,
And yet cannot repress
Thy spirit's earnestness-

A blended charm!

IV.

Of old, the Vestal flame

Undying lustre shed;

By maids of spotless fame

The light was fed:

And thus may guardian souls be given,

To watch the purer ray

That gilds my lonely way,

And points to heaven.

E. E. GAUNTLETT.