220 SELECT POETRY

When next we see him, wings he wears,
And in papilio! pomp appears ;
Becomes oviparous ;? supplies

With future worms and future flies

The next ensuing year !—and dies !

Well were it for the world, if all
Who creep about this earthly ball—
Though shorter-lived than most he be—~
Were useful in their kind as he.

Cowper.

 

THE DAISY.
ON FINDING ONE IN BLOOM ON CHRISTMAS-DAY.

THERE is a flower, a little flower,
With silver crest and golden eye,
That welcomes every changing hour,

And weathers every sky,
The prouder beauties of the field
In gay but quick succession shine ;
Race after race their honours yield,
They flourish and decline.

But this small flower, to Nature dear,
While moons and stars their courses run,
Wreathes the whole circle of the year,
Companion of the sun.
It smiles upon the lap of May
To sultry August spreads its charms,
Lights pale October on its way,
And twines December’s arms.

1 Papilio—butterfly.
? Ovtpurous—bringing forth eget.