The Flower Circus

The flowers in the dell Once gave a circus show; And as I know them well, They asked if I would go As their especial guest. “Quite charmed!” said I, and so Put on my very best Frock-coat and shiny hat, And my embroidered vest And wonderful cravat; In fact, no end of style, For it is, as you know, But once in a great while The flowers give a show.

They gave me a front seat, The very nicest there-- A bank of violets sweet And moss and maidenhair. ’Twas going to be a treat-- I felt it in the air.

As martial music crashed From a trained trumpet-vine, Into the ring there dashed A beauteous columbine! With airy grace she strode Her wild horse-chestnut steed.

I held my breath, she rode With such terrific speed. They brought a cobweb ring, And lightly she jumped through it. (A very dangerous thing; How did she learn to do it?)

I cried, “Brava! Encore!” Until she’d jumped through nine, Each higher than before. (I tell you, it was fine!)

Then Jack-in-pulpit--who From out his lofty place Announced what each would do-- Cried, “Next there comes a race.”

Two Scarlet Runners flew Three times the ring around, And with a crown of dew The winner’s head was crowned.

A booby race, for fun, Came next (the prize was cheaper). Trailing Arbutus won Over Virginia Creeper.

Then came the world-famed six, The Johnny-jump-up Brothers, Who did amazing tricks, Each funnier than the others.

A Spider, in mid-air (Engaged at great expense), On tight-thread gossamer Danced with a skill immense!

A dashing young Green Blade, Who quickly followed suit, An exhibition made Of how young blades can shoot.

There were Harebell ringers, too, Who played delightful tunes, And trained Dog-violets, who Did antics, like buffoons.

All these and more were there-- Too many for narration; But nothing could compare With the last “Great Sensation.”

I never shall forget, Though I should live an age, The sight of Mignonette Within the Lion’s cage.

Sweet smiling Mignonette Not one bit scared--for why on Earth should she fear her pet, Her dear, tame Dandelion?