Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Robert UnderwoodJohnson

1111 The Blossom of the Soul

THOU half-unfolded flower

With fragrance-laden heart,

What is the secret power

That doth thy petals part?

What gave thee most thy hue—

The sunshine or the dew?

Thou wonder-wakened soul!

As Dawn doth steal on Night,

On thee soft Love hath stole.

Thine eye, that blooms with light,

What makes its charm so new—

Its sunshine, or its dew?