Poems (Osgood)/The Fetter 'neath the Flowers
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.