Volume 6 — Abscondita.

Flower of the forest, that, unseen, With sweetness fill'st the vernal grove, Where hid'st thou? 'Mid the grasses green, Or those dim boughs that mix above? Thou bird that, darkling, sing'st a song That shook the bowers of paradise, Thou too art hid thy leaves among: Thou sing'st unseen of mortal eyes. Of her thou sing'st whose every breath Sweetened a world too blind to heed; Of Him—Death's Conqueror—that from death Alone would take the crown decreed. Thou sing'st that secret gifts are best; That only like to God are they Who keep God's secret in their breast, And hide, as stars are hid by day. Aubrey De Vere.