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1 For a Picture of St. Dorothea

I BEAR a basket lined with grass; I am so light, I am so fair, That men must wonder as I pass And at the basket that I bear, Where in a newly-drawn green litter Sweet flowers I carry,--sweets for bitter.

Lilies I shew you, lilies none, None in Caesar's gardens blow,-- And a quince in hand,--not one Is set upon your boughs below; Not set, because their buds not spring; Spring not, 'cause world is wintering.

But these were found in the East and South Where Winter is the clime forgot.-- The dewdrop on the larkspur's mouth O should it then be quenched not? In starry water-meads they drew These drops: which be they? stars or dew?

Had she a quince in hand? Yet gaze: Rather it is the sizing moon. Lo, linked heavens with milky ways! That was her larkspur row.--So soon? Sphered so fast, sweet soul?--We see Nor fruit, nor flowers, nor Dorothy.