Poem by Richard Chenevix Trench

To ——

What maiden gathers flowers, who does not love?
And some have said, that none in summer bowers,
Save lovers, wreathe them garlands of fresh flowers:
O lady, of a purpose dost thou move
Through garden walks, as willing to disprove
This gentle faith; who, with uncareful hand,
Hast culled a thousand thus at my command,
Wherewith thou hast this dewy garland wove.
There is no meaning in a thousand flowers—
One lily from its green stalk wouldst thou part,
Or pluck, and to my bosom I will fold,
One rose, selected from these wealthy bowers,
Upgathering closely to its virgin heart
An undivulgèd hoard of central gold.

1. Sonnet to Silvio Pellico, on Reading the Account of His Imprisonment
2. To a Friend Entering the Ministry
3. On Revisiting the Seine
4. To the Same (O dowered with a searching glance to see)
5. England (Peace, Freedom, Happiness, have loved to wait)

William Watson To —— ("Unto the Lady of The Nook")

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