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The Flowers’ Mystic Voices. 
By Miss Katharine Josephine Walsh. Richland Center, Wis. 
Mild and clear the flowers carol, 
Like sweet minstrels from above, 
Unto hearts that know their language, 
Songs of Faith and Hope and Love. 
Thoughts that by our pathway blooming 
Turn our spirits toward the light, 
Teach us to translate the sunshine* 
Teach us not to fear the night. 
Who has missed the voice of roses 
On a sweet mid-summer day, 
When the fragrant fields and forests 
Teach the human heart to pray? 
Modest violets, softly sighing, 
Truth sublime with silent breath; 
Peace and joy of future ages, 
Love triumphant over Death? 
Clearly in their voices ringing 
Love that will immortal last, 
Tho’ the pride and bloom of summer 
Pall in fierce December’s blast. 
Plowers within the tomb unfading, 
Past the sunlight’s brief control, 
Mingle with the heart that loved them, 
Leave their image on the Soul. 
* 
Benediction of glad voices, 
On those humble thoughts of ours— 
While we trace a kindred beauty 
With the whole sweet race of flowers. 
