FLORA AND THALIA. 195 



If hopes and fervent wishes could 



Control futurity's dark veil, 

 There's not a plant or flower but should 



Have virtues such as you'd reveal. 



You should, like roses, charm the view ; 



Like mignonette, should glad the heart ; 

 Your friends should be like ivy, true, 



And everlasting where thou art. 



As the bright flower, which fables say 

 Turns on its stem, the sun to greet. 



Should you, where'er your path might stray, 

 Continued joy and sunshine meet. 



But should misfortune dim your road, 

 May you be like that lovely flower. 



Which, pressed beneath an adverse load, 

 Breathes secret sweets of balmy power. 



And as through sunshine you may go. 



Or bow beneath affliction's night, 

 May He who bids the lily grow, 



Direct and guide your course aright. 



H. PATTEKSOIf. 



