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CHILDREN AND FLOWERS. 
melancholy picture of human life ; “ ’tis true, 
’tis pity, pity ’tis, ’tis true,” in the generality 
of cases, and where there is one, whose heart is 
unscathed by the burning finger of affliction, 
there are thousands who might exclaim, with 
Lady Randolph :— 
“ Have you not sometimes seen an early flower 
Open its bud, and spread its silken leaves, 
To catcb sweet airs, and odours to bestow; 
Then by a keen blast nipt, pull in its leaves, 
And though still living, die to scent and beauty ? 
Emblem of me ; Affliction, like a storm, 
Hath killed the forward blossoms of the heart.” 
Home’s Douglas. 
Let it not be supposed by this, that we are 
unaware of the truth of the scripture proverb, 
which saith, “ whom the Lord loveth he 
chasteneth,” or that we would advocate the 
indulgence of a morbid feeling of regret for 
past-away pleasures. We humbly acknow¬ 
ledge the wisdom and justice of the Supreme 
Disposer of events, and firmly believe that 
adversity,— 
“ Though like the toad, ugly and venomous, 
Bears yet a precious jewel in his head.”— Shakspeap.e. 
