188 POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
They bear to us sweet memories of childhood’s 
happy years, 
Ere grief had wrung the heart with pain, or dim¬ 
med the eye with tears ; 
They have been twined with playfulness round 
many a snowy brow. 
Where costly pearls and Indiangems are proudly 
flashing now ! 
But hiding many a line of care beneath their gor¬ 
geous blaze. 
That lurk’d not ’neath the wild flower wreath of 
youth’s untroubled days ! 
Oh! chide not at the simple theme that wakes the 
minstrel’s lay. 
Earth were less bright without the flowers that 
blossom by the way ; 
He at whose word the universe her ancient might 
did yield. 
Hath taught proud man a lesson from the lilies of 
the field. 
I thank thee, God ! for every boon thy hand in 
mercy showers. 
And oh, not least anfong thy gifts, the beautiful 
wild-flowers ! 
