26.12.2010, 12:34
THE BUTTERFLY.
Alexis seized a prison 'd butterfly
To set it free, on a bright morn of May ;
But the kind touch brush'd half the tints away
From the rich wings, though handled tenderly.
Then spake he out to bashful Isabel, —
' Behold sweet Nature's venturous faith ! and sa_\-,
Why thou dost aye refuse thy heart to stay
On mine, that is so fond and loves so well ?
Is beauty trusted to the morning dews ?
And to the butterfly's mischanceful wing ?
To the dissolving cloud in rainbow hues ?
To the frail tenure of an early spring.
In blossoms and in dyes? And must I lose
Claim to such trust,—all Nature's underling ?
'
Alexis seized a prison 'd butterfly
To set it free, on a bright morn of May ;
But the kind touch brush'd half the tints away
From the rich wings, though handled tenderly.
Then spake he out to bashful Isabel, —
' Behold sweet Nature's venturous faith ! and sa_\-,
Why thou dost aye refuse thy heart to stay
On mine, that is so fond and loves so well ?
Is beauty trusted to the morning dews ?
And to the butterfly's mischanceful wing ?
To the dissolving cloud in rainbow hues ?
To the frail tenure of an early spring.
In blossoms and in dyes? And must I lose
Claim to such trust,—all Nature's underling ?
'