INTRODUCTORY VERSES. 7 



THE 



LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 



Earth hath a thousand tongues, that swell 



In converse soft, and low — 

 We hear them in the flowery dell, 



And where the waters flow. 

 We note them when the pliant reed 



Bends to the summer air, 

 Its low-toned music gently freed 



By the soft breezes there; 

 And angels from their starry height, 

 On hills, and dales, and green banks write. 



There is a language in each flower 



That opens to the eye, 

 A voiceless — but a magic power, 



Doth in earth's blossoms lie ; 

 The flowering Almond, first to bring 



Its perfume to the breeze, 

 The earliest at the call of spring, 



Among the green-clad trees, 

 Whispers of Indiscretion's fate, 

 Trusting too soon — convinced too late. 



