Young Dandelion

On a hedge-side,

Said young Dandelion,

"Who'll be my bride?

"I'm a bold fellow

As ever was seen,

With my shield of yellow,

In the grass green.

"You may uproot me

From field and from lane,

Trample me, cut me,—

I spring up again.

"I never flinch, Sir,

Wherever I dwell;

Give me an inch, Sir,

I'll soon take an ell.

"Drive me from garden

In anger and pride,

I'll thrive and harden

By the road-side.

"Not a bit fearful,

Showing my face,

Always so cheerful

In every place."

Said young Dandelion,

With a sweet air,

"I have my eye on

Miss Daisy fair.

"Though we may tarry

Till past the cold,

Her I will marry

Ere I grow old.

"I will protect her

From all kinds of harm,

Feed her with nectar,

Shelter her warm.

"Whate'er the weather,

Let it go by;

We'll hold together,

Daisy and I.

"I'll ne'er give in,—no!

Nothing I fear:

All that I win, oh!

I'll keep for my dear."

Said young Dandelion

On his hedge-side,

"Who'll me rely on?

Who'll be my bride?"