On slender stems the nodding wind-flowers blow,

And bloodroots grow

Where high the hedges fling their lacing frets

Along the lanes; while, softly sifting through

Tall plumy weeds and silver spider-nets,

The yellow sunbeams filter down below

Until I know

Not any fair Italian sky is blue

As is our earth to-day with violets!

Nor do I think that even that Syrian sun