FLORA

I am the handmaid of the earth, I broider fair her glorious gown, And deck her on her days of mirth With many a garland of renown.

And while Earth's little ones are fain And play about the Mother's hem, I scatter every gift I gain From sun and wind to gladden them.

THE ORCHARD

Midst bitten mead and acre shorn, The world without is waste and worn,

But here within our orchard-close, The guerdon of its labour shows.

O valiant Earth, O happy year That mocks the threat of winter near,

And hangs aloft from tree to tree The banners of the Spring to be.

TAPESTRY TREES

OAK

I am the Roof-tree and the Keel; I bridge the seas for woe and weal.

FIR

High o'er the lordly oak I stand, And drive him on from land to land.

ASH

I heft my brother's iron bane; I shaft the spear, and build the wain.

YEW

Dark down the windy dale I grow, The father of the fateful Bow.

POPLAR

The war-shaft and the milking-bowl I make, and keep the hay-wain whole.

OLIVE

The King I bless; the lamps I trim; In my warm wave do fishes swim.

APPLE-TREE

I bowed my head to Adam's will; The cups of toiling men I fill.

VINE

I draw the blood from out the earth; I store the sun for winter mirth.

ORANGE-TREE

Amidst the greenness of my night, My odorous lamps hang round and bright.

FIG-TREE

I who am little among trees In honey-making mate the bees.

MULBERRY-TREE

Love's lack hath dyed my berries red: For Love's attire my leaves are shed.

PEAR-TREE

High o'er the mead-flowers' hidden feet I bear aloft my burden sweet.

BAY

Look on my leafy boughs, the Crown Of living song and dead renown!