48 
THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
Its smile — its tresses—were so like thine, 
I think it could have been none but thee! 
Then realize, love, that radiant dream, 
Fly from thy tyrant’s savage pride! 
Descend — oh! seraph! by night’s dim beam, 
And morn shall hail, with a smile, my bride! 
f. s. o. 
CONJUGAL LOVE. 
LINDEN-TREE. 
Baucis was changed into the Linden-tree, which has ever 
since been the emblem of conjugal love. In glancing over tne 
consecrated plants in the mythology of the ancients, we can¬ 
not fail to admire their fitness to represent the various qualities 
of which they are symbolical. 
Beauty — grace — simplicity — an extreme softness of man¬ 
ner, and an innocent gayety, should be, in all ages, the proper¬ 
ties and accomplishments of a tender wife. We find all these 
qualities united in the Linden-tree; which, in spring, is ever 
covered with a soft and delicate verdure, and exhales a very 
delightful fragrance, while it lavishes the honey of its flowers 
upon the busy bee. 
Who shall attempt to paint the effect of its beautiful foliage 
as it waves its branches softly under the influence of the breeze? 
Its young leaves seem to have been cut of softer materials than 
silk, and are far more brilliant. We can scarce cease to gaze 
upon its vast shade ; nay, we could wish to be always reposing 
under it—to listen to the murmurs of its branches, and breathe 
its delicious perfumes. The magnificent chestnut and the slen¬ 
der acacia have each disputed the right of the Linden-tree, to 
