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 Dream of Gerontius

 Appendix

7

 7. Snapdragon  a Riddle  for a Flower Book  I AM rooted in the wall Of buttress'd tower or ancient hall; Prison'd in an art-wrought bed. Cased in mortar, cramp'd with lead; Of a living stock alone Brother of the lifeless stone.  Else unprized, I have my worth On the spot that gives me birth; Nature's vast and varied field Braver flowers than me will yield, Bold in form and rich in hue, Children of a purer dew; Smiling lips and winning eyes Meet for earthly paradise. Choice are such, and yet thou knowest Highest he whose lot is lowest. They, proud hearts, a home reject Framed by human architect; Humble-I can bear to dwell Near the pale recluse's cell, And I spread my crimson bloom, Mingled with the cloister's gloom. Life's gay gifts and honours rare, Flowers of favour! win and wear! Rose of beauty, be the queen In pleasure's ring and festive scene. Ivy, climb and cluster, where Lordly oaks vouchsafe a stair. Vaunt, fair Lily, stately dame, Pride of birth and pomp of name. Miser Crocus, starved with cold, Hide in earth thy timid gold. Travell'd Dahlia, freely boast Knowledge brought from foreign coast. Pleasure, wealth, birth, knowledge, power, These have each an emblem flower; So for me alone remains Lowly thought and cheerful pains. Be it mine to set restraint On roving wish and selfish plaint; And for man's drear haunts to leave Dewy morn and balmy eve. Be it mine the barren stone To deck with green life not its own. So to soften and to grace Of human works the rugged face. Mine, the Unseen to display In the crowded public way, Where life's busy arts combine To shut out the Hand Divine.  Ah! no more a scentless flower, By approving Heaven's high power, Suddenly my leaves exhale Fragrance of the Syrian gale. Ah! 'tis timely comfort given By the answering breath of Heaven! May it be! then well might I In College cloister live and die.  Ulcombe .  October 2, 1827.