12 THE LOVER’S OFFERING, 
not the reminescences of the former para¬ 
dise,—left unscathed by sin, to tell how 
much man has lost? Flowers, you are 
appreciated by the best minds of human 
kind. The most intellectual gaze on you 
most admiringly, and are fascinated by 
your splendour. They convei’se with you, 
and you with them, for you have tongues, 
and very sweet is the language of some 
flowers. I have felt your charms when, 
having traversed some barren track, I have 
come at length to the site of beautiful 
gardens—gardens made beautiful by you. 
Eich and variegated are your colours, 
beautiful are your tints and forms, and 
fragrant the incense you offer. 
“ Beautiful objects of the wild bee’s love! 
The wild bird joys your opening blooms to see, 
And in your native woods and wilds to be; 
All heai’ts to nature true, ye strangely move, 
Ye are so passing fair, so passing free, 
I love ye all.” 
You invariably delight my senses, and 
important are the lessons which you teach. 
You declare God’s handy-work, his match¬ 
less skill, his Almighty power, his benev- 
