The Bluebell

A fine and subtle spirit dwells
In every little flower,
Each one its own sweet feeling breathes
With more or less of power.

There is a silent eloquence
In every wild bluebell,
That fills my softened heart with bliss
That words could never tell.

Yet I recall, not long ago,
A bright and sunny day:
'Twas when I led a toilsome life
So many leagues away.

That day along a sunny road
All carelessly I strayed
Between two banks where smiling flowers
Their varied hues displayed.

Before me rose a lofty hill,
Behind me lay the sea;
My heart was not so heavy then
As it was wont to be.

Less harassed than at other times
I saw the scene was fair,
And spoke and laughed to those around,
As if I knew no care.

But as I looked upon the bank,
My wandering glances fell
Upon a little trembling flower,
A single sweet bluebell.

Whence came that rising in my throat,
That dimness in my eyes?
Why did those burning drops distil,
Those bitter feelings rise?

Oh, that lone flower recalled to me
My happy childhood's hours,
When bluebells seemed like fairy gifts,
A prize among the flowers.

Those sunny days of merriment
When heart and soul were free,
And when I dwelt with kindred hearts
That loved and cared for me.

I had not then mid heartless crowds
To spend a thankless life,
In seeking after others'weal
With anxious toil and strife.

'Sad wanderer, weep those blissful times
That never may return!'
The lovely floweret seemed to say,
And thus it made me mourn.