I plucked a wild flower from the river's brim,
And drank awhile its faint but fragrant breath,
Then cast it forth upon the wave a-swim,
And watched it, as I fancied, drift to death.
" 'Tis lost, " I said; but far adown the tide
A tempted maiden saw its dainty hue;
She snatched it, kneeling at the water side,
And vowed: " I will be pure, Sweet Flower, like you. "
And I, I never knew.

I plucked a song from out my heart one day,
And tossed it on the noisy stream of rhyme.
Sadly I watched it slowly float away
'Mongst thistles, weeds and sprigs of fragrant thyme.
" 'Tis lost, " I said, " 'tis lost for evermore,
Although within my heart of hearts it grew. "
And yet, far down beside the reedy shore
It taught one soul its lesson sweet and true.
And I, I never knew.