XVIII

The Winter Flower

A Birthday Offering

Bloom, beloved Flower!⁠—
Unknown;⁠—’tis no matter.
Courts glitter brief hour,
Crowds can but flatter.

Plants in the garden
See best the Sun’s glory;
They miss the green sward in
A conservatory.

—prized where’er known.⁠—
Sure this is a blessing,
Outrings the loud tone
Of the dull world’s caressing.