Poems (Osgood)/The Fetter 'neath the Flowers

by Frances Sargent Osgood

THE FETTER 'NEATH THE FLOWERS,

Cupid flung his garland gaily
 O'er a maid in seeming play;—
Sage Experience whisper'd daily,
 "Break the chain, while yet you may!"

"Why?" she cried—"'tis but a toy,
 Form'd of many a fragrant flower;
Let me still its bloom enjoy,—
 I can break it any hour."

Long she sported freely, lightly,
 With her soft and glowing chain;—
"Nay ! it clasps my heart so tightly,
 I must break the toy in twain."

Vain resolve!—the tie that bound her,
 Harden'd 'neath her struggling will;
Fast its blossoms remonstrance fell around her,
 But the fetter linger'd still.