THE POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
45 
They will bear him a thought of the sunny hours, 
And a dream of his youth—bring him flowers, 
wild flowers. 
Bring flowers, fresh flowers, for the bride to 
wear! 
' They were born to blush in her shining hair, 
i She is leaving the home of her childhood’s mirth, 
She hath bid farewell to her father’s hearth. 
Her place is now by another’s side— 
Bring flowers for the locks of the fair young bride. 
Bring flowers, pale flowers, o’er the bier to shed, 
A crown for the brow of the early dead! 
For this through its leaves hath the wild rose 
burst, 
For this in the woods was the violet nursed ! 
Though they smile in vain for what once was ours, 
They are love’s last gift—bring ye flowers, pale 
flowers!— 
Bring flowers to the shrine where we kneel in 
prayer, 
They are Nature's offering, their place is there! 
They speak of hope to the fainting heart, 
With a voice of promise they come and part, 
They sleep in dust through the wintry hours, 
They break forth in glory—bring flowers, brighl 
flowers ! 
