FLORA
I am the handmaid of the earth, I broider fair her glorious gown, And deck her on her days of mirth With many a garland of renown.
And while Earth"s little ones are fain And play about the Mother"s hem, I scatter every gift I gain From sun and wind to gladden them.
THE ORCHARD
Midst bitten mead and acre shorn, The world without is waste and worn,
But here within our orchard-close, The guerdon of its labour shows.
O valiant Earth, O happy year That mocks the threat of winter near,
And hangs aloft from tree to tree The banners of the Spring to be.
TAPESTRY TREES
OAK
I am the Roof-tree and the Keel; I bridge the seas for woe and weal.
FIR
High o"er the lordly oak I stand, And drive him on from land to land.
ASH
I heft my brother"s iron bane; I shaft the spear, and build the wain.
YEW
Dark down the windy dale I grow, The father of the fateful Bow.
POPLAR
The war-shaft and the milking-bowl I make, and keep the hay-wain whole.
OLIVE
The King I bless; the lamps I trim; In my warm wave do fishes swim.
APPLE-TREE
I bowed my head to Adam"s will; The cups of toiling men I fill.
VINE
I draw the blood from out the earth; I store the sun for winter mirth.
ORANGE-TREE
Amidst the greenness of my night, My odorous lamps hang round and bright.
FIG-TREE
I who am little among trees In honey-making mate the bees.
MULBERRY-TREE
Love"s lack hath dyed my berries red: For Love"s attire my leaves are shed.
PEAR-TREE
High o"er the mead-flowers" hidden feet I bear aloft my burden sweet.
BAY
Look on my leafy boughs, the Crown Of living song and dead renown!