WHO PROPOSED TO THROW AWAY THE FADED FLOWER OF A FAVORITE PLANT

Cast not this simple flower away!
I mark with sorrow its decay;
But though its transient day be o'er,
Eliza, thou should'st love it more.

Though other flowers round it smile,
They'll blossom but a little while;
Then, like my hyacinth, decay:
Cast not that simple flower away.

The time may come, perchance ere long,
When she whose light and joyous song
Thou oft hast heard, and in whose heart's
Affections thou dost share a part;

May, like that withered flower, fade,
And in the silent grave be laid.
With her , will all thy love decay? —
Cast not that simple flower away!

Methinks I see the gathering tear
Fall from thine eyes, my sister dear;
Forgive, if I have caused thee pain —
I will not wound thy heart again.

Yet, by the love thou bear'st to me,
And my affection deep for thee,
Friend of my bosom, say, oh! say,
Thou wilt not cast that flower away!