304 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



TIMIDITY. 



MARVEL OF PERU. Mirabilis. 



" Solitaire amante des nuits, 

 Pourquoi ces timides alarmes, 

 Quand ma muse au jour que tu fuis 

 S'apprete a reveler les charmes ? 



Si, par pudeur, aux indiscrets 

 Tu caches ta fleur purpurine, 

 En nous derobant tes attraits, 

 Permets du moins qu'on les devine." 



This Belle de nuit is made the emblem of 

 timidity, because it cannot endure the gaze of 

 Sol, which enlivens and expands most other 

 flowers. 



" The infant flames, whilst yet they were conceal'd 

 In tim'rous doubts, with pity I beheld ; 

 With many smiles dispell'd the silent fear, 

 That durst not tell me what I dy'd to hear." 



Prior. 



