NOON AND NIGHT FLOWER

Not any flower that blows

But shining watch doth keep;

Every swift changing chequered hour it knows

Now to break forth in beauty; now to sleep.

This for the roving bee

Keeps open house, and this

Stainless and clear is, that in darkness she

May lure the moth to where her nectar is.

Lovely beyond the rest

Are these of all delight:—

The tiny pimpernel that noon loves best,

The primrose palely burning through the night.

One‘ neath day's burning sky

With ruby decks her place,

The other when Eve's chariot glideth by

Lifts her dim torch to light that dreaming face.