AND FLOWERS OF POETRY. 183 
if it closes before the usual hour, we may be sure that there 
will be rain ere nightfall. 
* 
Your lips are like the prophet-flower; — 
When thus they, quivering, close, my love; 
We’re sure to have a summer-shower, 
From the blue eyes that beam above. 
F. s. o. 
PRETENSION. 
WILLOW-HERB. 
This beautiful plant, which flourishes by the water’s side, 
seems to take pleasure in admiring itself in the crystal stream. 
For this reason it is compared to a vain woman, proud of her 
own charms. Mr. Loudon says that it is a thriving plant, and 
will grow anywhere, under the drip of trees, and in smoky 
cities, parks, &c., and is very showy when in flower. 
Some women deify a friend — 
Some grovel at the shrine of pelf— 
A few to Heaven in worship bend — 
Her idol is — her own sweet self! 
f. s. D. 
