76 
THE POETRY OP FLOWERS. 
DAHLIA* 
(Dignity.) 
It is worth much, in this dull world of strife 
And foolish vanity, to meet a heart 
Serene and beautiful like thine ! The praise 
And selfish flattery of the heartless crowd 
Fall idly on thine ear, whilst thou unmoved, 
And with a lofty purpose in thy breast, 
Retain’st thy elevation o’er the herd, 
No less by that calm majesty of soul 
Which shrinks from adulation, than by gifts 
Of lofty intellect and outward grace. 
Thy form hath elegance that indicates 
The beautiful refinement of thy thoughts; 
And there is dignity in thy firm step, 
That speaks a soul superior to the thrall 
Of petty vanity and low-born pride. 
* This is a Mexican plant, much cultivated by modern horticulturists. 
The flowers are of all colours, and very showy; growing often to the 
height of six or eight feet. 
