X -* 
12 THE FLORAL GIFT. 
ASPEN 
Populus Tremuloides —Class 22, Order 8. 
A email American tree, whose leaves have such long stems 
that they are easily moved by'the slightest wind. 
LAMENTATION. 
There was a church-yard, and an open grave, 
Which a small band of thoughtful villagers 
Gather’d around. Pressing more near its brink 
A slender boy, of some few summers stood, 
Sole mourner for the dead,—his watchful eye 
Fixed on the coffin.—When they let it down 
Into the darksome pit, and the coarse earth 
From the grave-digger’s shovel falling, gave 
A hollow sound, there rose such bitter wail, 
Prolonged and deep, as I had never heard 
Come from a child. Then he, who gave with 
prayers 
The body to the dust, when the last rite 
Was finished, turned with sympathizing look 
And said “ Poor boy your mother will not 
sleep 
In this cold, bed forever.” 
Mrs. Sigourney. 
- X 
