X ---* 
36 THE FLORAL GIFT. 
COLUMBINE. 
Aquilegia sp. —Class 13, Order 4. 
Hardy and pretty flowers, of purple, crimson, blue, or white 
colors, and growing in every temperate climate. 
DESERTION. 
In vain to me the morning dawns, 
Joy comes not with its beam; 
In vain to me the flowrets spring, 
And sun-rays kiss the stream : 
In vain the wild birds carol sweet, 
No joy their notes impart; 
Nor sun, nor bird, nor flower can bring 
Joy to a broken heart. 
Why is it that our brightest hopes 
The soonest fade away ? 
Why, when peace makes our heart her shrine, 
Doth fate forbid her stay ; 
Why when with pleasure’s flowery wreath 
Our temples we adorn, 
Doth sorrow’s blight, the blossom mar, 
And leave us but the thorn. 
Mrs. J. Webb. 
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