Blossom, clouding all the tree

With thy crimson broidery, 20

Long before a leaf of green

O’er the bravest bough is seen;

Ah! when winter winds are swinging

All thy red bells into ringing,

With a bee in every bell, 25

Almond bloom, we greet thee well.

Edwin Arnold.

CCLXXXVIII
HOME THOUGHTS, FROM ABROAD.