THE POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
87 
And wear a gayer wing and brighter crest 
Than those that on the roof-tree build the nest ; 
They come more tender, beautiful, and bright 
Than any thoughts that others can excite; 
They tell me gentle tales of thee and thine, — 
Of gems of truth that in thy spirit shine; 
Of goodness, purity, and holy zeal, 
That can for others earnest pity feel; 
Of all things beautiful in soul and heart, — 
And such, they tell me, dearest, that thou art ! 
PASSION FLOWER. 
(Religious Fervour.) 
How should the soul with adoration glow, 
To that great Power, eternal and supreme, 
Who gives us faculties for joy and woe, 
And hope and reason guarding each extreme! 
Who paints on sorrow’s clouds the rainbow beam 
That cheers our spirits through sad mists of tears, 
And bids the heaven-lit taper brighter gleam 
As down the dark declivity of years 
We seek the better clime, where Truth her temple rears! 
