To melt away the snow. See, how it falls In drops of crystal from the glowing spray, The clouds are driven from the clear blue sky, Serene and calm, air is hushed into repose, That not a breath may ruffle the young flowers, Now gently waking into life and light. TO A NARCISSUS IN JANUARY. How beautiful art thou, my winter Flower! The hyacinth and violet entwined Have scarce so sweet an odour. Thanks, my Flower, My gentle kind companion-for to me Thy silence is most eloquent: ·- -I love Thy quiet steadfast gaze, as, o'er my desk, The long day through thou hast seemed watching me; And ever and anon, in glancing up, I still have met thy calm unchanging look, Reminding me, in silence, of the friend Whose gift thou wert to me. Yet thou wert then And tended thee with more than common care. |