2 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



devoted ever, in storm-fraught or in sunny days ; not only 

 the first upon a summer's morning to gaze admiringly on 

 glowing charms, but the first, when leaves fall and winds 

 are chill, to protect against cruel frost. As with smitten 

 bachelor or steadfast mate the lady of his love is lovely 

 ever, so to the true Rose-grower must the Rose-tree be 

 alwavs a thing of beauty. To others, when its flowers have 

 faded, it may be worthless as a hedgerow thorn : to him, in 

 every phase, it is precious. I am no more the Rose, it says, 

 but cherish me, for we have dwelt together ; and the glory 

 which has been, and the glory which shall be, never fade 

 from J lis heart. 



Is it rare or frequent this fond and complete affection } 

 Go to one of our great exhibitions, and you must surely 

 bring the conviction home, that true love, however rare in 

 the outer world, may be always found " among the Roses." 

 From all grades and epochs of life, what vows of constancy, 

 what fervid words ! " Sir Thomas and I are positively 

 going to ruin ourselves with a new Rosarium." *' As soon 

 as I get home," says a country rector, " I shall plant an 

 acre of my glebe with Roses." There you may see a Royal 

 Duchess so surprised out of her normal calmness, that she 

 raises two pale pink gloves in an ecstasy of surprise, and 



