 | Minor Poems, including Napoleon |  |
262
INFANCY.
I
The Snow-drop, herald of the spring,In storm or sunshine born,
Some passing images may bring
Of being's varied morn.
II
When blasts are chill, and clouds are dark,Its helpless, fragile bloom
Appears as set for misery's mark,
To sink in hopeless gloom.
III
If mild the gale, and bright the beam,Its beauties charm the eye,
And, while we gaze, we almost dream
That summer hours are nigh.
263
IV
But trustless are the outward signsWhich waken hope or fear;
The flower whose birth in sunlight shines,
Chill blasts the soonest sere.
V
The bud that cold winds nipt at first,A happier lot may know;
In warmer airs to life may burst,
In brighter sunshine glow.
VI
Thus shall the nursling of despairFond sighs and tears requite;
And shine in after life more fair
Than some whose morn was bright.
| Minor Poems, including Napoleon | |