68 , MORAL OF FLOWERS. 



" The flowers in silence seemed to breathe 

 Such thoughts as language could not tell." BYROX. 



We have called the flowers "silent monitors," 

 and not unadvisedly, for many are the lessons 

 they teach, of patient submission, meek endu- 

 rance, and innocent cheerfulness under the 

 pressure of adverse circumstances : 



" They smilingly fulfil 



Their Maker's will, 

 All meekly bending 'neath the tempest's weight 



By pride unvisited, 



Though richly raimented, 

 As is a monarch in his robes of state." H. G. A. 



Many are the moral precepts they inculcate, 

 bidding us admire the wisdom of their Omnipo- 

 tent Creator, in their infinite variety of forms 

 and colors, and perfect adaptation to the situa- 

 tions they occupy : 



"Not a flower 



But shows some touch, in freckle, streak, or stain, 

 Of His unrivall'd pencil. He inspires 

 Their balmy odors, and imparts their hues, 

 And bathes their eyes with nectar, and includes 

 In grains as countless as the sea-side sands, 

 The forms with which He sprinkles all the earth." 



COWPER. 



