THE CARNATION. 
109 
lias produced this magnificence and variety 
of costume, and the flower continually dis¬ 
plays a tendency to return to its original 
simplicity; like pure love, it constantly turns 
towards, and is ever attached to, the object 
of its first and only adoration, however cir¬ 
cumstances may compel an apparent de¬ 
parture from or relinquishment thereof; thus 
has this flower become an emblem of the 
truth it so singularly displays. 
ILLUSTRATION OF THE SENTIMENT. 
On ! let me only breathe the air, 
The blessed air, that’s breathed by thee, 
And, whether on its wings it bear 
Healing or death, ’tis sweet to me. 
There, drink my tears, while yet they fall ; 
Would that my bosom’s blood were balm ; 
And well thou know’st I'd shed it all, 
To give thy brow one minute’s calm. 
Nay, turn not from me that dear face,— 
Am I not thine, thy own loved bride ? 
The one, the chosen one, whose place. 
In life or death, is by thy side! 
L 
