To Dr. Perry

VIOLETS, these sweet violets! will they not soothe thy pain,And bring the welcome hues of health back to thy cheek again?I sought them with this pure desire, so lowly, gemmed with dew,And hasten, ere their beauty dies, thy lonely couch to strew.Though unpretending they may seem, 'tis all that I can bring;However small the gift, ofttimes it may a magic flingAround our hearts, about our paths, wherever we may go,And these so simply beautiful, must bear a charm, I know.

When arrested in life's walks by sudden grief or pain,How kindly hast thou ministered till health returned again;And now a balm of joy I'd bring to offer in returnFor all thy counsels given me, that I relief might learn.May these humble flowerets shed around their rich perfume,Their mystic eloquence pervade thy heart, thy soul illume;May each loving dream that's past their presence now recall,Bid every pulse thrill with delight, till pain no more inthrall.

Could my sympathy avail, how gratefully I'd pour;In tender offices of love thy feeble strength restore.The desolation, agony! alas, I may not tellHow much is mingled in thy cup—on this I dare not dwell:But ask of Him who reigns above, a blessing now to send,To soothe thy anguish, cheer thy heart, thine every ill to mend;May all the friends thou'st ever loved be dearer now to see—Such lovely coronals of hope as these I bear to thee.