214 THE FRIENDSHIP OF NATURE 



To sleep, dear flowers, go to sleep; 

 your light must be blown out, but your 

 work is well done. Many messages 

 you have carried from the garden in 

 your persuasive language, many frail 

 humming-birds your hearts have held 

 and nourished, and you have drawn sun- 

 shine earthward to the sorrowful. Chil- 

 dren have kissed you, and you have 

 filled lonely hearts with bright mem- 

 ories. And you, dear roses, you have 

 veiled a silent breast in its earth sleep 

 and your fragrance followed the spirit 

 through the morning gates. By root 

 and bulb and seed, your forms are all 

 perpetuate. 



Lie low, nasturtiums, release your 

 grasp, even your sharp tongues will not 

 save you. Carnations, your courage 

 only prolongs a useless struggle. Con- 

 volvuli, your cups were made for sweet 

 dew-wine, sherbet will break them. 



