TO THE BLUE GENTIAN.
UNFOLD, O fairest Flower, and share
The benediction of this air
That softly floweth everywhere,
And blesseth most the things most fair!
The benediction of this air
That softly floweth everywhere,
And blesseth most the things most fair!
Twice welcome flowers when flowers grow few;
Thrice welcome, thou, of heavenly hue—
The rarest, tenderest shade of blue
That Earth's dear bosom ever knew!
Thrice welcome, thou, of heavenly hue—
The rarest, tenderest shade of blue
That Earth's dear bosom ever knew!
The golden-rod resigns his plume,
And all frail beauty seeks a tomb,
Bequeathing thee more ample room
Wherein to set thy fairer bloom.
And all frail beauty seeks a tomb,
Bequeathing thee more ample room
Wherein to set thy fairer bloom.
Unfold, thy gentle right to claim,
O Flower of softest tint and name!
Thy bashfulness delays like shame,
Yet lovelier makes thy lovely fame.
O Flower of softest tint and name!
Thy bashfulness delays like shame,
Yet lovelier makes thy lovely fame.
To exile only half resigned,
Her locks with violet-memories twined,
Departing Summer turns to find
How fair a thing she leaves behind.
Her locks with violet-memories twined,
Departing Summer turns to find
How fair a thing she leaves behind.
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