50 THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
CRUELTY. 
NETTLE. 
The sting of the nettle causes a pain as violent as that pro¬ 
duced by a burn. On examining the plants with a microscope, 
we observe “ the projecting bristles or prickles with which 
they are covered, are tubular and stand on a bag filled with 
poisonous juice; they are perforated at the point, and when 
they are gently pressed vertically, the pressure at once forces 
the poison to ascend the tube, and enables the point to lodge it 
in the skin.” 
Its generic name, Urtica, is formed from uro, to burn, in allu¬ 
sion to its stinging properties. 
More cruel far than murder’s self is he, 
Who, having kindled once love’s Eden-bloom, 
With warm Persuasion’s spell, in some young heart, 
E’er lets Indifference blight it or Neglect; — 
For Love — true Love can flower but once in life, 
In woman’s life — the Aloe of her heart! 
f. s. o. 
DELICACY. 
BLUE-BOTTLE CENTAURY. 
The beautiful blue of this flower, which is of the colour of 
an unclouded sky, has made it the emblem of a tender and 
delicate sentiment, nourished by hope. 
Her love is pure and glad and true, 
As yonder heaven of stainless blue. 
f. s. o. 
