As one breathing his weakness to the ear

Of pitying angel—dear as a winter flower,

A slight flower growing alone, and offering

Its frail cup of three leaves to the cold sun,

Yet joyous and confiding like the triumph

Of a child: and why am I not worthy thee?

I can live all the life of plants, and gaze

Drowsily on the bees that flit and play,

Or bare my breast for sunbeams which will kill,

Or open in the night of sounds, to look