Classic Poem

ON RECEIVING A SPRIG OF HEART'S-EASE. BY FREDERICK W. THOMAS .

How easy 'tis to give the flower,
That emblems careless ease of heart;
Yet give the very gift the power
To bid that careless ease depart.

For if forth from its budding leaves,
Young, nestling Hope should breathe her sigh,
Too soon the trusting lover grieves
To find the flower, and hope must die.

Then, Mary, ere again we part,
Oh give me back the priceless dower —
The careless, happy case of heart,
That cheered me ere you gave the flower.