THE SENSITIVE PLANT. 
125 
The only acclimatised representative of this genus 
which we possess is the acacia of our shrubberies; but 
even this elegant specimen can convey but a faint 
idea of the beauty which large groves of these plants 
present, especially when they appear, as in Egypt, 
amongst apparently interminable deserts of burning 
sand. 
Nay, little trembler, shrink not thus 
As though a foe were nigh ; 
I would not harm thy smallest leaf, 
Then let thy terrors fly. 
Alas! ’monefst human kind there be 
O 
Hearts sensitive as thou ; 
Who hear in every tone reproof, 
See frowns on every brow. 
Oh ! may I ne’er such dark distrust 
With needful caution blend, 
But rather view, till else I’ve proved. 
Each stranger as a friend. 
