[This and the other Poems addressed to the same flower were composed at Town-end, Grasmere, during the earlier part of my residence there. I have been censured for the last line but one--"thy function apostolical"--as being little less than profane. How could it be thought so? The word is adopted with reference to its derivation, implying something sent on a mission; and assuredly this little flower, especially when the subject of verse, may be regarded, in its humble degree, as administering both to moral and to spiritual purposes.--I.F.] This was included among the "Poems of the Fancy" from 1815 to 1832. In 1837 it was transferred to the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection."--Ed. Bright Flower! whose home is everywhere, Bold in maternal Nature's care, And all the long year through the heir [1] Of joy and [2] sorrow. Methinks that there abides in thee 5 Some concord [3] with humanity, Given to no other flower I see The forest thorough! Is it that Man is soon deprest? [4] A thoughtless Thing! who, once unblest, 10 Does little on his memory rest, Or on his reason, And [5] Thou would'st teach him how to find A shelter under every wind, A hope for times that are unkind 15 And every season? Thou wander'st the wide world about, Uncheck'd by pride or scrupulous doubt, With friends to greet thee, or without, Yet pleased and willing; 20 Meek, yielding to the occasion's call, And all things suffering from all, Thy function apostolical In peace fulfilling. [6] * * * * * VARIANTS ON THE TEXT [Variant 1: 1840. Bright Flower, whose home is every where! A Pilgrim bold in Nature's care, And all the long year through the heir 1807. Bright flower, whose home is every where! A Pilgrim bold in Nature's care, And oft, the long year through, the heir 1827. Confiding Flower, by Nature's care Made bold,--who, lodging here or there, Art all the long year through the heir 1837.] [Variant 2: 1850. ... or ... 1807.] [Variant 3: 1807. Communion ... 1837. The text of 1840 returns to that of 1807.] [Variant 4: 1807. And wherefore? Man is soon deprest; 1827. The text of 1837 returns to that of 1807.] [Variant 5: 1807. But ... 1827. The text of 1837 returns to that of 1807.] [Variant 6: 1807. This stanza was omitted in the editions of 1827 and 1832, but replaced in 1837.]