32 
THE FLORAL GIFT. 
CROCUS. 
Crocus Vernus ,—Class 3, Order 1. 
Lovely little early flowers, with purple, white, blue, and 
yellow blossoms ; a native of Europe 
— 
CHEERFULNESS* 
Oh ! why delight to wrap the soul 
In pall of fancied sadness ? 
'Twere best be merry while we live, 
And paint our cheeks with gladness ; 
What if hope tells a “ flattering tale,” 
And mocks us by deceiving, 
’Tis better far to be content,— 
There’s nothing made by grieving. 
The girls, Heaven bless their precious souls ! 
Are thick as bees about us. 
And every mother’s son well knows— 
They could not do without us, 
They’re dangerous though to meddle with, 
For they too are deceiving 
They’ll win and laugh, then flirt you—-yet 
There’s nothing made by grieving. 
Lawrence Labrce. 
