196 THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
Geranium, Rose. — Pelargonium capitatum. — Preference. 
But thee I love, by love’s own sweet constraint. 
•Shaks. 
Htg (Cranium. 
BY MISS E. BOGART. 
“ I never loved a tree or flower. 
But ’twas the first to fade away.” 
Oh, no — it will not flourish ’neath my hand ! 
It had grown beautiful, while unobserved 
And left neglected ; and when suddenly 
I saw its full and rich luxuriance, 
Its thick and crowded leaves, as green and bright 
As England’s boasted forest foliage, 
I took it from its hiding place, and cast 
An eye of love upon it. Better far 
Had it remained forgotten in the shade, 
And died “ the death of flowers;” when winter’s blasts 
Pierc’d thro’ the sheltering vine, whose tendrils twin’d 
Around its slender stems. 
Why did I break 
So beautiful a union ? Why unwind 
The graceful, clasping vine, that in its place 
My waste affections might entwine themselves ? 
Oh, they have been but like the deadly nightshade, 
Killing what they embraced. It is in vain 
I watch, and nurse, and cherish it — it droops. 
