I had scribbled it at early morn in my own little room, at noonday recess at my solitary desk; but no human being, save my mother, knew of the young dream-girl's poetic raptures.
One of those irresistible promptings of the spirit which all have felt, and to which many have yielded, induced me at this era to break loose from my shell and come forth, as I imagined, a beautiful and brilliant butterfly, soaring up above the gaze of my astonished and admiring companions.

Yes; with all my diffidence I anticipated a scene of triumph, a dramatic scene, which would terminate perhaps in a crown of laurel, or a public ovation.
Lowly self-estimation is by no means a constant accompaniment of diffidence.

The consciousness of possessing great powers and deep sensibility often creates bashfulness.

It is their veil and guard while maturing and strengthening.

It is the flower-sheath, that folds the corolla, till prepared to encounter the sun's burning rays.
"Read!" I did read,--one stanza.