184 
THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
PROHIBITION. 
PRIVET. 
This shrub is one of the prettiest ornaments of our hedge¬ 
rows. Its spike-formed thyrsi of white monopetalous flowers, 
which in shape resemble those of the lilac in miniature, agree¬ 
ably perfume the hedges during the months of May and June; 
while its deep purple shining berries garnish the spray of this 
shrub during the whole winter, affording food to the bullfinch 
and thrush, and a 
Fit dwelling for the feathered throng, 
Who pay their quit-rents with a song. 
Green. 
“ Why,” said a young mother of a family to the pastor of 
the village, “did you not plant a strong palisade of thorns in the 
place of this hedge of flowering privet which surrounds your 
garden?” The pastor replied: “When you prohibit your son 
from joining in dangerous pleasures, the prohibition issues from 
your lips with a tender smile ; your look caresses him ; and, if 
he murmur, your maternal hand offers him a toy to console 
him ; so the pastor’s hedge ought not to injure, but while it 
keeps off those who would intrude, it should offer flowers though 
it repels them.” 
So soft is her sigh and so sweet is her smile, 
Even though she prohibits our pleasure the while — 
That pleasure is robbed of its charm by her voice, 
And e’en in her chiding we learn to rejoice. 
