Ii

What tho' we see it break before us into flowers, This garden where we pass the clear and silent hours? In our two hearts are spirit-flow'rs unfurled, Where blooms the fairest garden in the world.

For as flow'rs we live and breathe When in laughter love breaks forth, And our sorrows sigh like trees In the dark winds from the North;

For we live as limpid lakes at calm That mirror roses heavy with their balm, And rich vermilion lilies of the South, Each like a warm red mouth; For we utter all delight That leaps in feasts and in the spring When in vows our words take flight, Soar exultant on the wing.

Oh! what flowers are in our hearts unfurl'd Within the fairest garden in the world!