116 VOICE OP FLOWERS. 



Above the floating bridal veil 



The white Camella rears 

 Its innocent and tranquil eye, 



To calm young beauty s fears, 

 And when her hoary age recalls 



The memories of that hour, 

 Blent with the heaven-recorded vow 



Will gleam that stainless flower. 



The matron fills her chrystal vase 



With gems that Summer lends, 

 Or groups them round the festal board 



To greet her welcome friends, 

 Her husband s eye is on the skill 



With which she decks his bower, 

 And dearer is his praise to her 



Than earth s most precious flower. 



Frail gifts we call them, prone to fade 



Ere the brief spring is o er, 

 Though down the smitten strong man falls, 



Returning never more. 

 Time wears away the arch of rock, 



And rends the ancient throne, 

 Yet back they come, unchang d, as when 



On Eden s breast they shone. 



