SCARLET PIMPERNEL. 67 



and delicate, and yet so brilliant ; and then, 

 as if aware of the admiration wliicli it ex- 

 cites, it closes before rain in order the longer 

 to preserve its beauty from the injury of 

 the weather. Hence it has been called the 

 shepherd's weather -glass. 



That pimpernel, whose brilliant flower 

 Closes against the approaching shower, 

 Warning the swain to sheltering bower, 

 From humid air secure. 



This lovely little flower enlivens the south- 

 ern banks even in September, when its 

 petals continue open in fine weather from 

 about eight in the morning till four in the 

 afternoon, after which the blossom-leaves 

 gradually fold together, and the wandering 

 bee can no longer gain access to the sweet 

 nectarious cup within. 



Every part of the scarlet pimpernel is, 

 in a microscope, singularly beautiful, and 



