66 MORAL OP FLOWERS. 



the roses that adorn the garland of pleasure are 

 not unaccompanied by thorns, which lacerate 

 the brows of the wearers, and leave thereon 

 indelible scars : 



" Alas the joys that fortune brings 

 Are trifling, and decay." GOLDSMITH. 



Ambition ! what is it but a splendid vision ? 

 a gorgeous structure built by him who rears 

 his house upon the sands, where the waves are 

 constantly sapping its foundation. Pride ! will 

 pride uphold the sinking heart in the hour of 

 affliction ? true, it will not bend, but it will break; 

 then woe to the poor wretch who depends on it 

 for support. Even as a stormy ocean whose 

 billows are ever swelling and foaming, ready to 

 engulph those who venture on its bosom. 



" I heard a thousand blended notes, 



While in a grove I sate reclined, 

 In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts 



Bring sad thoughts to the mind. 

 To her fair works did Nature link 



The human soul that through me ran; 

 And much it grieved my heart to think 



What man has made of man. 



