[_A Flower Legend._]
TWO cherubs were playing near Heaven's gate,
Which an angel had left ajar;
They were toying each with small silver bells,
Whose soft chimes could be heard afar.
As they tossed in play these musical toys,
Some rolled through the half-open gate;
And down from the high heavens blue they came
Through the clouds at a quickening rate.
And when at last they fell down to this earth,
And rested in green fairy dell,
Where each one had fallen there sprang a flower,
The beautiful, graceful Blue Bell.
For as they came down through the azure skies,
They caught its deep beautiful blue;
And still in the earthly flower is seen
The very same heavenly hue.
And the fairies can hear the low sweet chimes
As they gently sway to and fro;
Perhaps it's an echo of those soft tones
Which the cherubs heard long ago.
LYDIA HOYT FARMER.