GARDEN AND WILD FLOWERS. 113 



If this, my earnest plea for these " sweet smiles of God," shall awaken in one 

 heart an interest for them, I shall feel that my effort has not been in vain. 



" Yonr voiceless lips, O Flowers ! are living preachers, 

 Each cup a pulpit, and each leaf a book, 

 Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers 

 From loneliest nook. 



"Ephemeral sages! what instructors hoary 



For such a world of thought could furnish scope* 

 Each fading calyx a memento raori. 

 Yet fount of hope. 



" Were I, O God, in churchless lands remaining. 

 Far from all voice of teachers or divines : 

 My soul would find in flowers of thy ordaining 

 Priests, sermons, shrines!" 



15 



