GATHER VIOLETS.

Gather violets white and blue, Where the southern zephyrs play; Bring them sparkling with the dew,— With the blessed dew of May.

Let me fold them to my breast, Emblems sweet of earthly bliss; Ha! they love to be caressed, For they give me kiss for kiss.

How my weary heart doth yearn, Touched as by a hand Divine, While their soft blue eyes they turn Full of sympathy to mine!

Do they know how much I sigh For the meadows where they grew? For the forest and the sky, Where they caught their azure hue?

There is One who knows it all,— To his loving arms I flee: Oh, he hears my feeblest call, And I know he pities me.

He ere long will take my hand Saying tenderly, "Arise!" He will lead me to the land Where no blossom ever dies.