AND FLOWERS OF POETRY. 155 
It grows wild on the coast of Persia, and is common in Chi¬ 
na. The celebrated specimen in Pope’s garden at Twickenham, 
is said to have been the first introduced into England ; but this 
we believe to be erroneous. The poet chanced to be present 
on the opening of a package which came from Spain, and ob¬ 
serving that the sticks had some vegetation, fancied they might 
produce something which we did not possess in England. 
With this idea he planted a cutting, from which sprang the 
parent-tree of many of our finest and most admired specimens. 
How vain the task to wake my lyre 
To rapture’s thrill, with passion’s fire, 
While sorrow o’er my heartstrings plays, 
With trembling touch, her saddest lays! 
F. s. o. 
MELANCHOLY SPIRIT. 
SORROWFUL GERANIUM. 
Few know that elegance of soul refined, 
Whose soft sensation feels a quicker joy 
From melancholy’s scenes, than the dull pride 
Of tasteless splendour and magnificence 
Can e’er afford. 
Warton 
This charming geranium, like a melancholy spirit, shuns 
the light of day; but it enchants those who cultivate it by 
the delightful perfumes it exhales. 
