260 
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
And, in this wisdom of the Holly tree, 
Can emblems see, 
Wherewith perchance to make a pleasant rhyme, 
One which may profit in the after-time. 
Thus, though abroad, perchance I might appear 
Harsh and austere, 
To those who on my leisure would intrude 
Reserved and rude, 
Gentle at home amid my friends I’d be, 
Like the high leaves upon the Holly tree. 
And should my youth, as youth is apt, I know, 
Some harshness show, 
All vain asperities I day by day 
Would wear away, 
Till the smooth temper of my age should be 
Like the high leaves upon the Holly tree. 
And as, when all the summer trees are seen 
So bright and green, 
The Holly leaves a sober hue display, 
Less bright than they ; 
But when the bare and wintry woods we see, 
What then so cheerful as the Holly tree ? 
So, serious should my youth appear among 
The thoughtless throng, 
So would I seem among the young and gay 
More grave than they, 
That in my age as cheerful I might be 
As the green winter of the Holly tree. 
