Cnlumfciiu. 
87 
Columbine.... Desertion. 
Bring Lilies for a maiden’s grave, 
Roses to deck the bride, 
Tulips for all who love through life 
In brave attire to ride: 
Bring each for each, in bower and hall, 
But cull the Columbine for all. 
“The Columbine? full many a flower 
Hath hues more clear and bright, 
Although she doth in purple go, 
In crimson, pink, and white. 
Why, when so many fairer shine, 
Why choose the homely Columbine?” 
Examine well each floweret’s form,— 
Read ye not something more 
Than curl of petal—depth of tint ? 
Saw ye ne’er aught before 
That claims a fancied semblance there. 
Amid those modelled leaves so fair ? 
Know ye the cap which Folly wears 
In ancient masques and plays? 
Does not the Columbine recall 
That toy of olden days ? 
And is not folly reigning now 
O’er many a wisdom-written brow ? 
