POPP Y. — IS ETTLE. 
161 
THE POPPY. 
In floral language, the poppy is made the symbol of con¬ 
solation to the sick, since it procures ease and sleep to the 
restless invalid. 
Fertility was hieroglyphically described by Venus, with a 
head of poppy in her hand. 
And poppies, which bind fast escaping sleep. 
COLUMELLA. 
From the Poppy I have ta’en 
Mortals balm, and mortals bane ! 
Juice, that creeping through the heart, 
Deadens every sense of smart. 
MRS. M. ROBINSON. 
THE STINGING NETTLE. 
The nettle carries its cruel venom in a bag at the base 
of the sting, always ready to perforate the incautious, and 
throw in its vegetable poison, which, like slander, attacks 
even the brave when it can act slyly. But, neither the 
sting of the nettle, nor the tooth of a viper, is so much to 
be dreaded as the tongue of a slanderer. 
