150 ©aft (fceramum. 
Oak Geranium.. ..Friendship. 
The Oak Geranium does not present so beautiful an 
appearance as the scarlet variety; but the pale blue 
colour of the flower, and the length of time which it 
continues in bloom, endear it to us as the emblem of 
true friendship. 
What though on Love’s altar the flame that is glowing 
Is brighter?—yet Friendship’s is steadier far! 
One wavers and turns with each breeze that is blowing, 
And is but a meteor,—the other’s a star I 
In youth Love’s light i 
Burns warm and bright, 
But dies ere the winter of age be past,— 
While Friendship’s flame 
Burns ever the same, 
And glows but the brighter, the nearer its last! 
Anon. 
Thanks to my stars, I have not ranged about 
The wilds of life, ere I could find a friend: 
Nature first pointed out my brother to me, 
And early taught me, by her sacred force, 
To love thy person, ere I knew thy merit, 
Till what was instinct grew up into friendship. 
Ours has severest virtue for its basis, 
And such a friendship ends not but ■yvith life. 
Addison. 
