GOLDEN-ROD.
Reading edition
BY M. R. COLQUITT.
Oh, mamma, I've heard such charming news From the Bobolink down in the lane; He knows many beautiful stories, And promised to meet me again. He told me about this rich Golden-Rod, And whence came its glowing hue; And I'm sure the bright little gossip Wouldn't care if I should tell you. He says when dear little Titania Was proclaimed the fairies' Queen, There was such a splendid banquet As never before was seen, And Titania's gorgeous costly robe, All puffed with fold on fold, Was made of a sunset tissue Of shining dazzling gold. The Knight of the Topaz Helmet Was chosen to dance with her, And he tore her beautiful court train With the point of his diamond spur. The wonderful exquisite fragment Fluttered about in the breeze, Now lighting the spears of the bending grass, Now floating among the trees, Till 'twas caught by the old head gardener, Who gazed at it long, and said; "This, fugitive flying sunbeam Has put something new in my head, "And our royal lady's accident Has strangely given a hint, And furnished me just what I longed for— An idea of shape, and a tint "For the flower that must be ready, As soon as the dancing is done, To present to our lovely sovereign In token of fealty won. "I'll take its form from the flashing plume Of the Knight who threw in my way This fleecy fluttering fragment, So delicate, dainty, and gay. "And if she accepts the token, And prints with her gracious hand The mystical sign upon it That shows it from Fairy-land, "I'll blow its seed to the outer world, And scatter them over the sod, And christen my feathery favorite Queen Titania's Golden-Rod."