40 FLORA'S LEXICON 



EECH. Fagus Sylvatica. Class 21, Mo- 

 ncecia. Order: Polyandria. To admire 

 the beech, is to rebel against high autho- 

 rity ; yet who, that is not entirely devoted 

 to pictorial effect, but must admire it] The 

 oak may excel it in dignity, the elm in 

 beauty, and the ash in gracefulness : still 

 the beech is a noble tree ; and in spring, the bright sunny tint 

 of its feathery foliage renders it a most attractive object. 



WEDDED LOVE. 



I have been wandering in the wood 



Where wither'd leaves my path were strewing; 



And winds, with ire but half subdued, 

 Seem'd to a future tempest growing. 



Yet, 'mid these symbols of decay, 



My mind was only tuned to gladness: 



And why? — It is our wedding day; 



What, then, have I to do with sadness? 



I sat me down beneath a tree, — 



That tree, so famed for lover's ditty, 

 When he would try by each fond plea 



To move his mistress' soul to pity. 



So smooth the sylvan tablet shone, 



So temptingly 'twas spread before me, 



I could not choose but trace thereon, 

 No lover's, but a matron's story. 



Yet ne'er did love, when hope and youth 



Each minister unto his pleasure, 

 Feel more of tenderness and truth 



Than I, whilst breathing this fond measure. 



Long years ago, and side by side, 

 We two were at the altar kneeling ; 



And whilst on earth the knot was tied, 

 Angels, in heaven, our vows were sealing. 



Anon. 



