FLORA'S LEXICON. 229 



ORMWOOD. Artemisia. Class 10, Syn- 

 genesia. Order : Superflua. Worm- 

 wood is considered the bitterest of plants. 

 Its scientific name, Ahsintlnts, is derived 

 from the Greek and signifies — without 

 sweetness. It is, therefore, very appropri- 

 ately made the emblem of absence ; which, 

 according to La Fontaine, is the greatest of evils. 



To be separated from those to whom we are devotedly attached, 

 is assuredly one of the severest trials of life ; and if that separa- 

 tion be involuntary, or only in obedience to those who have the 

 guardianship of our early years, the wretchedness of absence is 

 enhanced three-fold. There is all the anxiety for the health and 

 comfort of the absent, without any opportunity of offering conso- 

 lation ; for, though " the heart alone knows its own bitterness," 

 we feel that the sympathy of a friend can often alleviate the 

 deepest distress. 



ABSENCE. 



Her fancy follow'd him through foaming waves 

 To distant shores, and she would sit and weep 

 At what a sailor suffers. Fancy, too, 

 Delusive most where warmest wishes are, 

 Would oft anticipate his glad return, 

 And dream of transports she was not to know. 



Cow PER. 



Yes, 

 The limner's art may trace the absent feature, 

 And give the eye of distant weeping faith 

 To view the form of its idolatry ; 

 But oh ! the scenes 'mid which they met and parted, 

 The thoughts — the recollections sweet and bitter, 

 Th' Elysian dreams of lovers, when they loved, 

 Who shall restore them ? 

 Less lovely are the fugitive clouds of eve, 

 And not more vanishing. 



Maturin. 



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