University of Virginia Library

CONSTANCY.

The Heliotrope said to the sun,
“I love but thee,
And evermore I turn my face
Where thou mayst be.”
The sun sent down a mellow beam,
Without a care

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Whether it fell on stream or flower,
Or earth so bare.
And the sun said, “I shine serene
On every one;
I love the earth, and all therein
Love me, the sun.”
The Heliotrope bent down its head,
“Ah, woe is me!
I care not for the earth,” it said;
“I love but thee.”