University of Virginia Library


349

THE VALENTINE WREATH.

Rosy-red the hills appear
With the light of morning,
Beauteous clouds in ether clear,
All the east adorning;
White through mist the meadows shine,—
Wake, my love, my Valentine!
For thy locks of raven-hue,
Flowers with hoar-frost pearly,
Crocus-cups of gold and blue,
Snow-drops drooping early,
With mezereon-sprigs combine;
Rise, my love, my Valentine!
O'er the margin of the flood
Pluck the daisy, peeping;
Through the dry leaves in the wood
Hunt the sorrel, creeping;
With the little celandine
Crown my love, my Valentine!
Pansies, on their lowly stems,
Scatter'd o'er the fallows;
Hazel-buds, with crimson gems,
Green and glossy sallows;
Tufted moss and ivy-twine,
Deck my love, my Valentine!
Few and simple flowerets these;
Yet to me less glorious
Garden-beds and orchard-trees,
Since this wreath victorious
Binds thee now for ever mine,
O my love, my Valentine!
1811.