THE STRANGER'S FLOWER.
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THE STRANGER'S FLOWER.
In some of the South American republics, it was customary for ladies to present a flower to every stranger whom they received as a guest.
Stranger! new flowers in these vales are seen,
With a dazzling eye, and a fadeless green,
They scent the breath of the dewy morn,
They feed no worm, and they hide no thorn,
But revel and glow in our balmy air;
They are flowers that freedom hath planted there.
This bud of welcome to thee we give;
Bid its glowing blush in thy bosom live;
It shall charm thee from all a stranger's pain,
Reserve, suspicion, and dark disdain;
A race in its freshness and bloom are we,
Bring no cares from a worn out world with thee.
