POETRY OP FLOWERS. 
209 
Joy hath its ministries. But griefs are fraught 
With gentler blessings. Let them come in soft 
And tender eloquence, and bear aloft 
Your faith on the wide spirit-wings of prayer. 
SNOWDROP. 
Galanthus rivalis . . . . Class 6 ; Order 1 . 
Native of Europe. There is only one species and two 
varieties. Flowers white as milk—among the earli¬ 
est that appear in spring. 
FRIEND IN NEED.—HOPE. 
The snowdrop, Winter’s timid child, 
Awakes to life, bedewed with tears, 
And flings around its fragrance mild • 
And, where no rival flowerets bloom 
Amidst the bare and chilling gloom, 
A beauteous gem appears. 
* * * * 
Where’er I find thee, gentle flower, 
Thou still art sweet and dear to me! 
h or I have known the cheerless hour, 
Have seen the sunbeams cold and pale 
Have felt tbe chilling wintry gale, 
And wept and shrunk like thee. 
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