FUNERAL FLOWERS. 155 



There shrieks the night-bird from the blasted yew, 

 Which doth exclude the gladdening light of Heaven. 

 By all unhallowed things that spot is banned ; 

 The path which erst lay near it is o'ergrown ; 

 No one could pass that fearful grave at night! 



"And Ella lies where yonder blushing rose 

 And jessamine enclasp that simple tomb; 

 That spot the setting sun delights to kiss ; 

 And there the moonbeams shed their softest smile; 

 The daisy and the cowslip shine around; 

 And on each May-day morn, upon that stone 

 Is seen a beauteous wreath of fairest flowers.*' S. T. L 



In Switzerland, also, as well as in Wales, and 

 some other parts of Britain, flowers are planted 

 by the hand of affection on the graves of de- 

 parted relatives. It is a touching and beautiful 

 custom, and in both the above-named countries, 

 even the peasant may often be seen bending 

 orer the hallowed turf, and as he inserts into 

 the sod some new plant or flower, he performs 

 the act, which testifies of his affectionate re- 

 membrance, with a feeling and a delicacy 

 which do honour to his unsophisticated heart. 

 In Glamorganshire, it is yet a custom to strew 

 the bed whereon a corpse rests, with fragrant 



