68 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



ASSIGNATION. 



PIMPERNEL . A nagallis . 



" Clos'd is the pink-ey'd pimpernel. 



***** 



Twill surely rain, I see, with sorrow ; 

 Our jaunt must be put off to-morrow." 



Dr.Jenner. 



This sensitive little flower is made the sym- 

 bol of assignation, because the closing of its 

 petals foretels wet ; but when fully expanded 

 it proclaims fair and dry weather. It is con- 

 sequently called the peasant's barometer, and 

 the shepherd's weather-glass. 



The peasant loiters at the appointed stile, 

 and the 



" Shepherd tells his tale 



Under the hawthorn in the dale." 



Milton. 



