THE CARDINAL-FLOWER. 143 



of course, to its gaudy or showy dr,ess of scarlet blossoms. And 

 Mrs. Sigourney shows her appreciation of its regal splendor and 

 dignity by picturing the 



" Lobelia attired like a queen in her pride." 



There are frequent references to this " flower of the scarlet hat " 

 in American poets, and always with recognition of its noble and 

 striking qualities. The floral emblematists have not been un- 

 mindful of its highborn name and nature and have dedicated 

 it to "Distinction." In "Berkshire Wild-flowers" Miss Dora 

 Read Goodale thus sweetly sings its praise : 



To the westward burns the smouldering day, 



Still and solemn in the sunset sky; 

 In the purple hollows far away 



Shadowy veils of early evening lie, 

 And the misty mountain tops are gray. 



In the stagnant pool, stirred by a breath, 



All the shifting light and color lies, 

 In its shallows, dim with brooding death, 



All the sweeping splendors of the skies 

 Glass themselves, and scatter light beneath. 



Whence is yonder flower, so strangely bright? 



Would the sunset's last reflected shine 

 Flame so red from that dead flush of light? 



Dark with passion is its lifted line, 

 Hot, alive, amid the falling night. 



Still it burns intenser as I gaze, 



Till its heart-fire quickens with my own, 

 And when night shuts in the dusky ways 



Red and strange shine out the lights of home, 

 Where my flower its parting sign delays. 



