The Dandelion Blossom
In the spring when the grass
Had sprung up in the pass,
And the meadows with velvet were green,
We children would tease,
"O, dear mother, please
Let us doff shoes and stockings,
(Ah! naught gave us shockings),
And barefooted run o'er the leas,
Aye, barefooted run o'er the leas."
And mother, so wise,
Looking into o
r eyes,--
"There's a snowdrift down under the hill!
But when you will bring me,
Yes, when you will fling me
A dandelion blossom
To wear on my bosom
You may barefooted run as you will,
Aye, barefooted run as you will."
So for "guineas of gold,"
O'er the dandelion-wold,
We hunted afar and anear;
And with shouts of delight
We all greeted the sight
Of the fully-blown flower
Presaging the shower
Of bright blossoms that brought us such cheer,
Aye, the blossoms that brought us such cheer.
* * * * *
FEAR naught save that which slimes thee o'er
With falsity or fraud:--
Let thine own soul stand clean and white
Before its maker, God.