X 
INTRODUCTION. 
I is understood by changing it to the right, thou by in¬ 
clining it to the left. 
To the intelligent reader, these suggestions may suffice; 
and we shall therefore conclude our introduction with the 
hope that, under the guidance of this little volume, many 
a bright nosegay may exchange hands, and tell, in its 
fitting and intelligible language, “ a welcome message to 
fair lady’s ear.” 
In eastern lands they talk in flowers. 
And they tell in a garland their loves and cares; 
Each blossom that blooms in their garden bowers 
On its leaves a mystic language bears. 
The rose is a sign of joy and love, 
Young blushing love in its earliest dawn ; 
And the mildness that suits the gentle dove, 
From the myrtle’s snowy flower is drawn. 
Innocence shines in the lily’s bell, 
Pure as the heart in its native heaven: 
Fame’s bright star and glory’s swell, 
By the glossy leaf of the bay are given. 
The silent, soft, and humble heart, 
In the violet’s hidden sweetness breathes ; 
And the tender soul that cannot part, 
A twine of evergreen fondly wreathes. 
The cypress that daily shades the grave, 
Is sorrow that mourns her bitter lot; 
And faith, that a thousand ills can brave. 
Speaks in thy blue leaves—forget-me-not. 
Then, gather a wreath from the garden bowers, 
And tell the wish of thy heart in flowers. 
Percival. 
