58 
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
And how she veils her flowers when he is gone, 
As if she scorned to be looked on 
By an inferior eye, or did contemn 
To wait upon a meaner light than him ; — 
When I thus meditate, methinks the flowers 
Have spirits far more generous than ours, 
And give us fair example to despise 
The servile fawnings and idolatries 
Wherewith we court these earthly things below, 
Which merit not the service we bestow.” 
MIGNONETTE (Reseda odorata). Your qualities surpass your 
charms. 
“ No gorgeous flowers the meek Reseda grace, 
Yet sip with eager trunk yon busy race 
Her simple cup, nor heed the dazzling gem 
That beams in Fritillaria’s diadem.” 
Evans. 
Cowper says in the Task, — 
“ What are the casements lined with creeping herbs, 
The prouder sashes fronted with a range 
Of orange, myrtle, or the fragrant weed, 
The Frenchman’s darling ! ” 
We owe the reseda to Egypt. Linnteus compared 
its perfume to that of ambrosia. At sunrise and sun¬ 
set it is sweetest and most penetrating. Flowering 
from spring till autumn, in doors or out, it is a uni¬ 
versal favorite. By keeping it in a temperate, even 
atmosphere, it grows woody, and becomes a little tree, 
living several years. 
DATURA (Datura arborea'). Deceitful charms. 
The foliage of this plant seems faded and lan¬ 
guishing in the daytime, but at night appears reani¬ 
mated, and its beautiful flowers exhale an intoxicating 
