28 DROPS PROM FLORA’S CUP 
THE PASSION FLOWER. 
A tear, unbidden, starts when we view this emblom of religious fervor, 
for though we follow not the superstitious, yet we feel a sympathy in 
tracing in it the mysterious emblem of the Saviour’s passion. 
ANON. 
All beauteous flower 1 whose centre glows 
With studs of gold; thence streaming flows 
Kay-like effulgence; next is seen 
A rich expanse of varying hue, 
Enfringed with an empurpled blue, 
And streaked with young Pomona’s green. 
High o’er the pointal, decked with gold, 
(Emblem mysterious to behold!) 
A radiant cross its form expands; 
Its opening arms appear to embrace 
The whole collective human race, 
Refuse of all men, in all lands. 
-Imperial passion flower! 
"Whatever impulse first conferred that name, 
Or fancy’s dream, or superstition’s art, 
I freely own its spirit-touching claim, 
With thoughts and feelings it may well impart. 
Barton. 
