182 THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
PREFERENCE. 
ROSE-SCENTED GERANIUM. 
Of the geranium there are many species; some drooping, 
others brilliant, some perfumed, and others again inodorous. 
That which emits a roselike odour, is distinguished by the soft¬ 
ness of its leaves, its sweet odour, and the beauty of its purple 
flowers. 
No wonder that cheek, in its teinting transcendent, 
Excelleth the beauty of others by far; 
No wonder that eye is so richly resplendent — 
Your heart is a rose, and your soul is a star! 
Then give back to heaven the light it bestows, 
Till the star smile again in its birthplace above; 
But oh! let me share the soft bloom of the rose, 
Yield, yield the warm heart to my cherishing love! 
f. s. o. 
PRESAGE. 
SMALL CAPE MARTGOLD. 
The French have named this flower souci pluviatile, and in 
England it is distinguished by the name of pluvialis, because 
of its flowers closing on the approach of rain. It constantly 
opens at seven o’clock in the morning, and remains so till four 
in the evening, if the weather be dry. If it does not open, or 
