Fair tree of winter! fresh and flowering, <br />When all around is dead and dry; <br />Whose ruby buds, though storms are louring, <br />Spread their white blossoms to the sky. <br />Green are thy leaves, more purely green <br />Through every changing period seen; <br />And when the gaudy months are past, <br />Thy loveliest season is the last. <br />Be thou an emblem - thus unfolding <br />The history of that maiden's mind, <br />Whose eye, these humble lines beholding, <br />In them her future lot may find: <br />Through life's mutations may she be <br />A modest evergreen like thee; <br />Though bless'd in youth, in age more bless'd, <br />Still be her latest days the best.<br /><br />James Montgomery<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-laurustinus/
