THE POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
81 
’Tis not for wealth I seek the shade 
Of forest bower and tree; 
To share the burdens on thee laid— 
For this I go with thee. 
HYDRANGEA* 
(Heartlessness.) 
Yes, thou canst smile and be as gay 
As though no heart thy guile had broken; 
While every step along my way 
Brings up of thee some painful token. 
Thou breathest in a dozen ears 
The same fond words once breathed to me; 
While I, alas ! in secret tears, 
Can only think and dream of thee. 
IRIS.t 
(I have a Message for Thee.) 
W ere not thy spirit purified to look 
Through all things beautiful to God and heaven, 
These gentle readings from love’s holy book 
Had not been given. 
* Flowers rose colour, sometimes blue. Hue very changeable, 
t Flowers of various colours—commonly blue 
( 499 ) r. 
