THE FLOWER CIRCUS

The flowers in the dell Once gave a circus show; And as I know them well, They asked if I would go As their especial guest. “Quite charmed!” said I, and so Put on my very best Frock-coat and shiny hat, And my embroidered vest And wonderful cravat; In fact, no end of style, For it is, as you know, But once in a great while The flowers give a show. They gave me a front seat, The very nicest there— A bank of violets sweet And moss and maidenhair. ’Twas going to be a treat— I felt it in the air. As martial music crashed From a trained trumpet-vine, Into the ring there dashed A beauteous columbine! With airy grace she strode Her wild horse-chestnut steed. I held my breath, she rode With such terrific speed. They brought a cobweb ring, And lightly she jumped through it. (A very dangerous thing; How did she learn to do it?) I cried, “Brava! Encore!” Until she’d jumped through nine, Each higher than before. (I tell you, it was fine!) Then Jack-in-pulpit—who From out his lofty place Announced what each would do— Cried, “Next there comes a race.”

Two Scarlet Runners flew Three times the ring around, And with a crown of dew The winner’s head was crowned. A booby race, for fun, Came next (the prize was cheaper). Trailing Arbutus won Over Virginia Creeper.

Then came the world-famed six, The Johnny-jump-up Brothers, Who did amazing tricks, Each funnier than the others. A Spider, in mid-air (Engaged at great expense), On tight-thread gossamer Danced with a skill immense! A dashing young Green Blade, Who quickly followed suit, An exhibition made Of how young blades can shoot.

There were Harebell ringers, too, Who played delightful tunes, And trained Dog-violets, who Did antics, like buffoons. All these and more were there— Too many for narration; But nothing could compare With the last “Great Sensation.” I never shall forget, Though I should live an age, The sight of Mignonette Within the Lion’s cage. Sweet smiling Mignonette Not one bit scared—for why on Earth should she fear her pet, Her dear, tame Dandelion?