LINES 



ADDRESSED TO 



DOCTOR THORNTON, 



ON HIS 



BOT^JVIC G^iRDBJV. 



THORNTON, while polish'd Darwin tells 

 The loves of FLORA'S gaudy train, 



'Tis thine to guard from time's decay 

 The fading glories of her reign. 



Thy GARDEN of perpetual bloom 



No change of threatening skies can fear; 



Nor dashing rains, nor chilling blasts, 

 Can reach the lovely fav'rites here. 



Bright TULIPA in form as fair 

 As on the lap of Nature shines ; 



As gaily spreads each opening flowV, 

 As soft each varying tint combines; 



Whether in Asia's sun-bright soil 



The Nymph her crimson chalice b rears, 



Or mid Batavia's fost'ring clime c 

 In every added charm appears. 



Here view august, in conscious pride, 

 AGAVE lift her standard high ; 



Swell in full pomp her cluster'd flowers, 

 Resolv'd to triumph ere she die. 



There CEREA, rich in countless charms, 

 Spreads to the moon her golden ray; 



Nor fears that, ere yon orb descends, 

 Each blooming grace should fade away. 



Behold, in realms of endless spring, 

 MIMOSA's beauteous form arise; 



While, circling round on festive wing, 

 The ruby-throated spoiler flies. 



Here, floating to the evening air, 

 Fair PASSIFLORA scents the gale ; 



Expands her crowns of sapphire blue, 

 And softly waves her petals pale. 



NATURE, well pleas'd at Art's success, 



Each imitative grace shall see; 

 And FLORA with approving smile 



Shall twine her choicest Wreaths for THEE. 



DR. SHAW. 



• Author of - THE LOVES OF THE PLANTS" 



b Alluding to the CANNA INDICA. 



* Alluding to the Group of HYACINTHS. 



