AND FLOWERS OF POETRY. 233 
WISDOM. 
WHITE MULBERRY. 
The ancients named the white mulberry the tree of wisdom, 
because of its tardiness in putting forth its leaves. We say, 
“ foolish almond, wise mulberry,” because the almond is the 
first to flower. A branch of almond, joined with a branch of 
white mulberry, expresses that wisdom should temper activity. 
“ This species of mulberry is commonly cultivated in France 
and other countries for its leaves, to feed silkworms; and in 
many parts of the continent, when the leaves are wanted for 
the worms, they are stripped oflf the young shoots, which are 
left naked on the tree: in other places the shoots are cut off, 
which is not so injurious to the tree, while the points of the 
shoots as well as the leaves are eaten by the worms.” 
Oh, sacred solitude! divine retreat! 
Choice of the prudent! envy of the great! 
By thy pure stream, or in the waving shade, 
We court fair wisdom, that celestial maid! 
^ Young. 
YOUTHFUL CHARMS 
ROSEBUD. 
Who can say whether the white rose, or the red, the budding, 
or the full blown, has been most celebrated ? Oft, indeed, have 
all been sung; and the rosebud, from its grace, and gradually- 
maturing beauty, has not been inappropriately made emblemat¬ 
ical of youthful charms. 
