LANGUAGE OP FLOWERS. 19 



No spoken word can approach to the delicacy 

 of sentiment to be inferred from a flower sea- 

 sonably offered, the softest impression may thus 

 be conveyed without offence, and even profound 

 grief alleviated, a*t a moment when the most 

 tuneful voice would grate harshly on the ear, 

 and when the stricken soul can be soothed only 

 by unbroken silence." 



But let us recur to the words of this " Pro- 

 fessor of the gentle art," and evidence their 

 truth by a few examples showing the effect of 

 " floral language" upon a mind stricken with 

 grief. Listen to PHILASTER : 



" I have a boy, 



Sent by the gods, I hope, to this intent, 

 Not yet seen in the court. Hunting the buck, 

 I found him sitting by a fountain's side, 

 Of which he borrowed some to quench his thirst, 

 And paid the nymph again as much in tears 

 A garland lay him by, made by himself 

 Of many several flowers, bred in the bay, 

 Stuck in that mystic order, that the rareness 

 Delighted me. But ever when he turned 

 His tender eyes upon 'em, he would weep, 

 As if he meant to make 'em grow again. 

 Seeing such pretty helpless innocence 



