Little Celandine
Gounod, Charles
Pansies, lilies, kingcups, daisies,
Let them live upon their praises
Long as there's a sun that sets
Primroses will have their glory
Long as there are violets
They will have a place in story
There is a flower that shall be mine,
'Tis the little Celandine.
Ere a leaf is on a bush
In the time before the thrush
Has a thought about her nest
Thou wilt come with half a call
Spreading out thy glossy breast
Like a careless prodigal
Telling tales about the Sun
When we've little warmth or none.
I'll befall the yellow flowers
Children of the flaring hours!
Buttercups that will be seen
Whether we will see or no;
Others, too, of lofty mien
They have done as worldlings do,
Taken praise that should be thine,
Little, humble Celandine.