How sweetly on the autumn scene, br When haws are red amid the green, br The hawkbit shines with face of cheer, br The favorite of the faltering year! br br When days grow short and nights grow cold, br How fairly gleams its eye of gold br On pastured field and grassy hill, br Along the roadside and the rill! br br It seems the spirit of a flower, br This offspring of the autumn hour, br Wandering back to earth to bring br Some kindly afterthought of spring. br br A dandelion's ghost might so br Amid Elysian meadows blow, br Become more fragile and more fine br Breathing the atmosphere divine.