it, in such close embrace,
Sweet honeysuckles did entwine,
We knew not if the south wind caught
Its odorous breath from tree or vine.
The CHESTNUT tall, with shining leaves
And yellow tassels covered o'er,
The sunny Summer's golden pride,
And pledge of Autumn's ruddy store,--
Though grander forms might near it rise,
And sweeter blossoms scent the air,--
Was still a favorite 'mongst the trees
That flourished in that garden fair.
All brightly clad in glossy green,
And scarlet berries gay to see,
We welcome next a constant friend,
The brilliant, cheerful HOLLY-TREE.
But twilight falls upon the scene;
Rich odors fill the evening air;
And, lighting up the dusky shades,
Gleam the MAGNOLIA'S blossoms fair.
The fire-fly, with its fairy lamp,
Flashes within its soft green bower;
The humming sphinx flits in and out,
To sip the nectar of its flower.
Now the charmed air, more richly fraught,
To steep our senses in delight,
Comes o'er us, as the ORANGE-TREE
In beauty beams upon our sight;
And, glancing through its emerald leaves,
White buds and golden fruits are seen;
Fit flowers to deck the bride's pale brow,
Fit fruit to offer to a queen.
But let me rest beneath the PINE,
And listen to the low, sad tone
Its music breathes, that o'er my soul
Comes like the ocean's solemn moan.
Erect it stands in graceful strength;
Its spire points upward to the sky;
And nestled in its sheltering arms
The birds of heaven securely lie.
And though no gaily painted bells,
Nor odor-bearing urns, are there,
When the west wind sighs through its boughs,
Let me inhale the balmy air!
The stately PALM in conscious pride
Lifts its tall column to the sky,
While round it fragrant air-plants cling,
Deep-stained with every gorgeous dye.
Linger with me a moment, where
The LOCUST trembles in the breeze,
In soft, transparent verdure drest,
Contrasting with the darker trees.
The humming-bird flies in among
Its boughs, with pure white clusters hung,
And honey-bees come murmuring, where
Its perfume on the air is flung.
A noble LAUREL meets our gaze,
Ere yet we leave these alleys green.
'Mongst many stately, fair, and sweet,
The DAPHNE ODORA stands a queen.
May 2, 1853.
AUNT MOLLY.
A REMINISCENCE OF OLD CAMBRIDGE.
In looking ba
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