232 SENTIMENT OF FLOWERS. 



WATER LILY.— Purity of Heart. 



Beautiful water lily ! thou art like 



A young heart wakening in its purity, 



To the first breath of Love. Alone, alone ! 



What hath the mist and darkness of this world 



To do with its bright leaves ? a snowy gem, 



It floats upon the bosom of the tide, 



Like Love upon the course of this dark world ; 



Trembling and stainless guest ! It looks to Heaven, 



But from its spotless urn pours out such gifts 



Of fragrant sweetness, that the passer by 



Blesses the gentle vision, and beholds 



In the fair flower an emblem of his dreams 



Of early purity and silent love. 



L. H. 



VIOLET.— Faithfulness. 



Pale Violets, whose sweet breath has driven 

 Back on my soul the dreams I fain would quell. 



To whose faint perfume such wild power is given 

 To call up visions only loved too well. 



A. A. Watts. 



• MYOSOTRIS PALUSTRIS.— Forget Me Not. 



" Oh love, forget me not, 

 Wear thou this flower for me upon thy heart ; 

 There is a pure gift in its simple leaves 

 To cheer thy heart in sadness, and to sooth 

 The shadows that are round thee with a love 

 Unchanging, unobtnusive, and devout." L. H. 



SNOW-DROP. — Consolation — Adventurous Friendship. 



Cherish this flower ! is it not. 



Bright comer in adversity, 

 Like one who braves a stormy lot, 



To bear the torch of Hope to thee? 



L. H. 



