158 PIMPERNEL. — SENSITIVE PLANT. 



THE PIMPERNEL. 



This sensitive little flower is made the symbol of as- 

 signation, because the closing of its petals foretels wet ; 

 but when fully expanded it proclaims fair and dry weather. 

 It is consequently called the peasant's barometer, and the 

 shepherd's weather-glass. 



The peasant loiters at the appointed stile, and the 



"Shepherd tells his tale 



Under the hawthorn in the dale.' 



Closed is the pink-ey'd pimpernel. 



***** 



'T will surely rain, I see, with sorrow ; 

 Our jaunt must be put off to-morrow." 



DR. JENNER. 



THE SENSITIVE PLANT. 



Modesty becomes the brave as well as the fair. Young 

 says, 



Of boasting more than of a tomb afraid ; 



A soldier should be modesi as a maid. 



(158) 



