REMARKS ON THE TUBEROSE. 85 



The Malayans style the Tuberose the Mistress of theNight : — 



" The Tuberose, with her silvery light, 



That in the gardens of Malay 

 Is called the Mistress of the Night, 

 So like a bride, scented and bright, 



She comes out when the sun's away." 



We are to remember here that the poet is speaking of the lady's 

 habit3 when in her native country; in our colder climate she must 

 wait for the sunshine. 



When worn in the hair by a Malayan lady, it informs her lover 

 that his suit is pleasing to her. 



A friend has obliged me with a translation of a little poem by 

 Madame Deshoulieres, who, he observes, appears, by another poem 

 in her collection, to have been fond of the Tuberose : — 



•• Pride of gardens, charming flowers. 

 Fleeting as your little hours j 

 Often does a summer day 

 Give ye life and take away : 

 Mornings two or three at most 

 Are the brilliant life ye boast. 

 Ah ! disturb not your reposes, 

 Gallant Jonquils, lair Tuberoses : 

 Short is your sweet lite, 'tis true, 

 But 'tis full of pleasure too. 

 Jealousies and evil tongues 

 Do not hem je round with wrongs; 

 All the world cares not a cipher 

 For the love 'twixt you and Zephyr ; 

 Nor do over delicate 

 Feelings vex your happy state. 

 Nothing does it harm or grieve you 

 When the wanton zephyrs leave you — 

 Leave you to go sport elsewhere, 

 Laughing ever, here and there : 

 Nothing — nothing ; nor are yours 

 Pangs that the slain heart endures, 

 When it sees the hand that slew it 

 Wantiug e'en in pity to it. 

 You, when you would play the queen, 

 Need but dress ye, and be seen ; 

 Happy flowers ! and when you die, 

 'Tis but a dull day's good-bye : 

 Born again, you flaunt your span, 

 And mock the graves that close on man." 



