114 
FABLES OF FLORA. 
In the tropic climate, the Cactus forms dense 
arbors, or thickets, impervious to every thing but 
reptiles, which make them their favorite retreats. 
It has been but recently introduced into our green¬ 
houses, but is now rapidly growing into favor. 
FABLE XXXIII. 
The Cactus. 
Amid a thousand blooming flowers 
Whose fragrance filled the tempered air, 
A Cactus, brought from tropic bowers, 
Upreared its branches tall and bare. 
Year after year, it lived and grew, 
The jest of many a brilliant flower, 
Yet took no fairer form or hue 
From burning sun or cooling shower. 
‘ O, bear it hence! it is unmeet 
Beside this blushing Rose to stand’ — 
Who could refuse a voice so sweet, 
When uttering counsel or command ? 
The Cactus, at the maiden’s will, 
Was from its envied place removed; 
And soon, the broken rank to fill, 
They brought a flower the maiden loved. 
