Classic Poem

A lovely bouquet of wild treasures they brought me,
Fresh and sweet from the hedgerow, the marsh, and the brake,
Which lavish such fragrance and brightness around me
That I cannot but love them for fair Beauty's sake.

Osmunda! thou king of all ferns, celebrated
And long-honoured by minstrel in ballad and rhyme,
How welcome thy shade near the cool, rippling streamlet,
'Neath the tall leafy trees in the warm summer-time.

Not less art thou welcome 'mid orchis and iris,
Brilliant blossoms, thy emerald beauty to grace;
And with more of thy kin, though none like thee so royal,
Is the tall, stately foxglove in dignity's place.

Fair starred marguerita and sweet honeysuckle
Nestle closely together in mutual bliss,
And the frail briar-roses with pure perfumed petals
To my fancy seem fit for an angel's soft kiss.

Yet far more do I love them, the sweet silent flow'rets,
For the message of patience and love which they bear,
A God-given example of trust in His mercy,
A full proof that our Father for all things doth care.