A FRAGMENT
FLOWERS exquisite frequent thrive,
Hidden in the shade
Of some o’er-arching foliage
In a secluded glade.
They need the shadow, not the sun,
To best perfect their bloom.
E’en so, life’s rarest thought expands
Oft, in its darkened room.
QUERY
YOU love me, you say, and want me
To become your own.
I believe you are in earnest now,
But,—as the years go on—
What do you think will happen!
Shall we travel side by side,
Lovers, and faithful companions,
Whatever may betide?
So many have taken the venture,
But to find it turn out for the bad,
Who, at the beginning, just as much faith
In a different outcome had.
That I’m fearful our fate might be like theirs,—
Have we proof, think you, it will not?
A guarantee,—we shall never grow tired
And want to unfasten the knot?