University of Virginia Library


63

IX. ONE MORN I LEFT MY BOAT, TO STRAY.

One morn I left my boat, to stray
In yon island's dewy bowers;
I cull'd its sweets, and sail'd away
With my stolen store of flowers:
The west wind bore me o'er the flood,
My prize from the sun I shaded;
But, ere evening came, the fairest bud
In my lovely wreath was faded!
That eve, when nought but sea and sky
In the dreary prospect blended,
A little blue-wing'd Butterfly
Upon the deck descended;
It nestled near the Rose, its wing
Then lost its buoyant power;
And I saw the insect withering
Beside its own poor flower.