The dandelion clock.

                                        Upon a showery night and still,
                                        Without a sound of warning,
                                        A trooper band surprised the hill,
                                        And held it in the morning.

                                        We were not waked by bugle-notes,
                                        No cheer our dreams invaded,
                                        And yet, at dawn, their yellow coats
                                        On the green slopes paraded.

                                        We careless folk the deed forgot;
                                        Till one day, idly walking,
                                        We marked upon the self-same spot
                                        A crowd of veterans talking.

                                        They shook their trembling heads and gray
                                        With pride and noiseless laughter;
                                        When, well-a-day! they blew away,
                                        And ne'er were heard of after!

                                                           -Helen Gray Cone [1859-1934]