90 CHILDREN AND FLOWERS. 



grasp them, and what disappointment ensues 

 to find them wither in our hands, without 

 yielding the happiness we unreasonably ex- 

 pected from them ; and why ? not because 

 they are incapable of so doing, but that we, like 

 foolish children, wishing to obtain a surfeit of 

 sweets, enjoyed them not temperately. We 

 are even, as the poet says, 



" Like babes, that pluck an early bud apart 

 To know the dainty colour of its heart." * 



THOMAS HOOD. 



Man ! Man ! thou art ever repining and discon- 

 tented ; but didst thou not abuse the good gifts 

 showered around thee by a gracious Providence, 

 how happy might'st thou be in this beautiful 

 world, exclaiming, 



" These are thy wonders, Lord of Lore ! 



To make us see we are but flowers that glide, 

 Which when we once can find and prove, 

 Thou hast a garden for us where to bide j 

 Who would be more, 

 Swelling through store, 

 Forfeit their paradise by their pride. 1 ' 



GEORGE HEBBEBT. 



