The Butterflies.

The butterflies, like pansies,
                              freed1
                        
                        From earthy ties, make airy sport ;2
                        
                        They dally with the wistful weed,3
                        
                        Or to the meadow-queen pay court.4
                        The butterflies—like thoughts of mine,5
                        
                        Forgetful of their lowly birth—6
                        
                        Are brave in all the summer shine7
                        
                        And merry in the moment’s mirth.8
                        The butterflies and I must go.9
                        
                        Ah, well !  To-day has yet to pass ;10
                        
                        And we are quite content to know11
                        
                        The blue skies and the sunny grass.12