THE FLORAL GIFT. 
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57 
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GERANIUM, ROSE. 
Pelargonium Capitatum .—Class 16, Order 2. 
Flowers rose scented, and colored ; very fragrant. 
I PREFER THEE TO ALL OTHERS. 
The sportive sylphs that course the air, 
Unseen, on wings that twilight weaves, 
Around the opening rose repair, 
And breathe sweet incense on its leaves. 
They gather gems with sunbeams bright, 
From floating clouds and falling showers— 
They rob Aurora’s locks of light, 
To grace their own fair queen of flowers. 
Thus, thus adorned, the speaking rose, 
Becomes a token fit to tell, 
Of things that words can ne’er disclose, 
And nought but this reveal so well. 
Then take my flower, and let its leaves 
Beside thy heart be cherished near, 
While that confiding heart receives 
The thought it whispered to thine ear. 
S. G. Goodrich. 
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