16 THE FLORAL GIFT. 
BALM. 
Melissa Officinalis ,—Class 14, Order 1. 
A fragrant garden herb, brought from tbs south of Europe. 
A CURE* 
Woulls’t thou a wanderer reclaim, 
A wild and reckless spirit tame, 
Check the warm flow of youthful blood, 
And lead the lost one back to God ? 
Pause, if thy spirit’s wrath be stirred 
Speak not to him a bitter word ; 
Speak not—that bitter word may be 
The stamp that seals his destiny. 
If widely he has gone astray, 
And dark excess has marked his way, 
’Tis pitiful—but yet beware ! 
Reform must come from kindly care ; 
Forbid thy parting lips to move, 
But in the gentle tones of love ; 
Though sadly his young heart has erred, 
Speak not to him a bitter word. 
