432 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



We are to remember here that the poet is speaking of 

 the lady's habits when in her native country ; in our colder 

 climate she must wait for the sunshine. 



When worn in the hair by a Malayan lady, it informs 

 her lover that his suit is pleasing to her. 



A friend has obliged me with a translation of a little 

 poem by Madame Deshoulieres, who, he observes, appears, 

 by another poem in her collection, to have been fond of the 

 Tuberose : 



" Pride of gardens, charming flowers, 



Fleeting are your little hours ; 



Often does a summer day 



Give ye life and take away : 



Mornings two or three at most 



Are the brilliant life ye boast. 



Ah ! disturb not your reposes, 



Gallant jonquils, fair tuberoses : 



Short is your sweet life, 'tis true, 



But 'tis full of pleasure too. 



Jealousies and evil tongues 



Do not hem ye round with wrongs : 



All the world cares not a cipher 



For the love 'twixt you and Zephyr: 



Nor do over delicate 



Feelings vex your happy state. 



Nothing does it harm or grieve you 



When the wanton zephyrs leave you 



Leave you to go sport elsewhere, 



Laughing ever, here and there : 



Nothing nothing ; nor are yours 



Pangs that the slain heart endures, 



When it sees the hand that slew it, 



Wanting e'en in pity to it. 



You, when you would play the queen, 



Need but dress ye, and be seen, 



Happy flowers ! and when you die, 



'Tis but a dull day's good-bye : 



Born again, you flaunt your span, 



And mock the graves that close on man." 



