74 
THE MORAL OF FLOWERS. 
and he will find other feelings than those of admiration 
insensibly mingle with his contemplations. It does, 
indeed, read a fitting comment on earthly pleasures. 
We have still on earth “flowers of all hue,” but we 
cannot add. 
“ And without thorn the rose.” 
Gem of the bower, sweet Rose ! the fairest, brightest 
Of the gay tribes which drink the summer beam. 
Unchanged thou seem’st, and still my eye delightest. 
When other joys are passing as a dream. 
Oh! Avith each breath that fills the zephyr’s wing, 
How much of early feeling seems to spring! 
Nor do I feel, when in my breast I wear thee, 
Thy scent and beauty form thy only spell; 
To sober thought thy very thorns endear thee. 
For wholesome are the solemn truths they tell; 
Traits of the fall, they seem, sweet flower, to thee, 
What care and grief are to humanity. 
