76 
THE MORAL OF FLOWERS. 
YOUTH’S EMBLEMS. 
“ Of nature’s gifts thou may’st with lilies boast 
And with the half-blown rose.” 
Thou of light heart and footstep free. 
Of open brow and eye of glee, 
What emblems shall I choose for thee 
From nature’s store? 
Whate’er is bright, whate’er is sweet, 
Yet fugitive withal, and fleet, 
These, these, alas ! are emblems meet. 
Gay Youth, of thee. 
What better than the budding flower, 
Ere it has felt the north-wind’s power. 
Or learnt that sunny skies may lower, 
Thy bloom may show ? 
What than the light in eastern skies, 
When the glad sun prepares to rise. 
And dew that on the rose-leaf lies, 
Thy smiles and tears ? 
