INTRODUCTORY VERSES. 



THE 



LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 



EARTH hath a thousand tongues, tha swell 



In converse soft, and low 

 We hear them in the flowery dell, 



And where the waters flow. 

 We note them when the pliant reed 



Bends to the summer air, 

 Its low-toned music gently freed 



By the soft breezes there; 

 And angels from their starry height, 

 On hills, and dales, and green banks write. 



There is a language in each flower 



That opens to the eye, 

 A voiceless but a magic power, 



Doth in earth's blossoms lie ; 

 The flowering Almond, first to bring 



Its perfume to the breeze, 

 The earliest at the call of spring, 



Among the green-clad trees, 

 Whispers of Indiscretion's fate, 

 Trusting too soon convinced too late. 



