FLORA'S LEXICON. 183 



OSE, MUSK. This species of the rose lacks 

 freshness. Its mean ilowers would be en- 

 tirely without effect if they did not grow in 

 panicles, containing from twenty to one hun- 

 dred or more. They please by their fine 

 and musky odour, exhaled from their white 

 blossoms in the autumnal months. 'T is 

 said to be a native of Barbary, and is found wild in the hedges 

 and thickets of the kingdom of Tunis. This plant seems full of 

 caprice. It languishes suddenly in situations which at first 

 appeared to be most favourable to its growth, — one year it dis- 

 plays innumerable bouquets, and the next it may not flower at all. 



CAPRICIOUS BEAUTY. 



'T is not the fairest form, that holds 

 The mildest, purest soul within; 



'Tis not the richest plant that folds " 

 The sweetest breath of fragrance in ; 



And oft within the rose's bower, 

 A lurking insect lies unknown, 



That steals the honey from the flower, 

 Before its outward grace has flown. 



Then should a rude wind come at length, 

 To break the quiet reigning round, 



The flower that had the look of strength, 

 Falls scarcely heeded to the ground. 



Then, lady ! cast thy pride away, 



And chase those rebel thoughts of thine ; 



The casket may be bright and gay, 

 Yet all within refuse to shine. 



Dawes. 



