It closed its leaves and drooped its tender bud;
Cold came the dew, and blightingly the shower
Swept o'er the plant in swift destructive flood.
But, bending o'er its tender charge its leaves,[20]
Bows the strong branch, and needed shelter gives:
And thus, I said, does Charity descend,
And proves to every drooping one a friend.
[20] The tamarind plant, which closes its leaves over its young fruit and flowers.