The Flower

Once in a golden hour
; ; I cast to earth a seed.
Up there came a flower,
; ; The people said, a weed.

To and fro they went
; ; Thro' my garden bower,
And muttering discontent
; ; Cursed me and my flower.

Then it grew so tall
; ; It wore a crown of light,
But thieves from o'er the wall
; ; Stole the seed by night.

Sow'd it far and wide
; ; By every town and tower,
Till all the people cried,
; ; Splendid is the flower!

Read my little fable:
; ; He that runs may read.
Most can raise the flowers now,
; ; For all have got the seed.

And some are pretty enough,
; ; And some are poor indeed;
And now again the people
; ; Call it but a weed.