THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
32 
BEAUTY COMBINED WITH PIETY. 
WATER-STAR. 
“ This flower grows in fresh water, supported by its floating 
upper leaves, which form star-like tufts on the ends of the 
stem.” “ Flowering above, but ripening its seeds under water,” 
it seems an apt emblem of a lovely girl, who, while she does 
not neglect her external bloom — the flower of health and 
beauty —still cherishes, within, the seeds of virtue to blossom 
in a future life. 
All beaming with light as those young features are, 
There’s a light round thy heart, that is lovelier far; 
It is not that cheek — ’t is the soul dawning clear, 
Through its innocent blush, makes thy beauty so dear— 
As the sky we look up to, though glorious and fair, 
Is looked up to the more, because Heaven is there! 
Moore. 
As lightly floats the water-star, 
And gems the limpid stream, 
Thy graceful, radiant loveliness, 
A star of earth doth beam ! 
As ’neath the wave its seeds are nursed, 
For future bloom above, 
Within thy soul, thou cherishest 
Hope, meekness, faith, and love: 
And like the germ, that soul shall rise, 
When earth’s cold bonds are riven, 
Inhale the light in cloudless skies, 
And bloom — a star of heaven! 
f. s. o. 
