To A Beautiful Child On Her Birthday, With A Wreath Of Flowers.

Whilst others give thee wond'rous toys,
    Or jewels rich and rare,
I bring but flowers - more meet are they
    For one so young and fair.

'Tis not because that snowy brow
    Might with the lily vie,
Or violet match the starry glance
    Of that dark, lustrous eye;

Nor yet because a brighter blush
    E'en rose leaf never wore,
But 'tis that in their leaves lies hid
    A rare and mystic lore.

And with its aid I now shall form
    A wreath of flow'rets wild -
Graceful, and full of meaning sweet,
    To deck thy brow, fair child!

The primrose, first, the emblem fit
    Of budding, early youth;
The daisy in whose leaves we read
    Pure innocence and truth.

The rosebud, sign of youthful charms,
    We well may give to thee,
And with it join the sweet frail leaves
    Of the shrinking sensitive tree.

And, tribute to thy modesty,
    The violet emblem meet, -
Itself concealing, yet on all
    Shedding its perfume sweet.

And for thy kind and gentle heart
    We bring the jessamine,
To twine with ivy, ever green -
    True friendship's sacred sign.

Thy wreath is formed - of blossoms bright
    I've twined each link, and, yet,
Another flower I still must add,
    The fragrant mignonnette,

Which says "However great the charms
    That to thy lot may fall
Thy qualities of heart and mind
    By far surpass them all."

Aye, be it thus, and ever may
    This lovely wreath, as now -
Emblem of every precious gift -
    Be fit to deck thy brow.

But, last and dearest, 'mid the buds
    Of that bright varied lot
Must ever be, my gentle child,
    The sweet forget-me-not!

Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon

Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon was a Canadian poet and novelist known for her contributions to Canadian literature in the 19th century. She wrote several novels and numerous poems, often focusing on themes of love, identity, and cultural conflicts. Leprohon's work is notable for its exploration of Canadian identity and bilingual heritage as she wrote in both English and French.

Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon

The Hunter And His Dying Steed.

Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon, Simple Poetry

Rejoicings After The Battle Of Inkerman.*

Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon, Simple Poetry

The Village Girl And Her High Born Suitor.

Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon, Simple Poetry

The Blind Man Of Jericho.

Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon, Simple Poetry

English

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