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CHILDREN AND FLOWERS. 
grasp them, and what disappointment ensues 
to find them wither in our hands, without 
yielding the happiness we unreasonably ex¬ 
pected from them ;—and why ? not because 
they are incapable of so doing, hut that we, like 
foolish children, wishing to obtain a surfeit of 
sweets, enjoyed them not temperately. We 
are even, as the poet says,— 
“ Like babes, that pluck an early bud apart 
To know the dainty colour of its heart.” 
Thomas Hood. 
M an ! Man ! thou art ever repining and discon' 
tented ; but didst thou not abuse the good gifts 
showered around thee by a gracious Providence, 
how happy might’st thou be in this beautiful 
world, exclaiming,— 
“ These are tby wonders, Lord of Love ! 
To make us see we are but flowers that glide. 
Which when we once can find and prove, 
Thou hast a garden for us where to bide; 
Who would be more, 
Swelling through store, 
Forfeit their paradise by their pride.” 
George Herbert, 
