And Cortez, "Silent Upon a Peak in Darien," May Well be Symbolic of the 
Garden's Fourth Blessing—the Blessing of Tranquillity 
New tranquillity does not come by mere 
chance, we don't just happen on it; like the other 
precious things of life it must be labored for and 
sought. The body tired with its labors, the soul 
steeped in beauty, the trek of adventure having 
led from this commonplace world to a new one, 
then the gardener enjoys a peace that is both 
completely gratifying and past being under¬ 
stood. The peace that lies on the garden at 
dawn, when mists soften its farther reaches and 
each bush and plant is jeweled with dew; the 
peace of noontide heat, when the soil is baking 
and a thousand buds uncurl beneath the sun; 
the peace of the dusk, the day's work done, to 
sit quietly and drink in the mingled fragrances 
of soil and leaf flowers—such are the tranquil¬ 
lities the gardener knows. Having been wise 
enough to adopt gardening as his hobby, he is 
also wise enough never to question whence or 
how they come. Sufficient for him to know that 
these tranquillities are his to enjoy, and his life 
richer for enjoying them. 
a 
To My Little Brown Friends The Bulbs 
The hardy shining brown things 
I planted them away 
Down in the dark and damp Earth 
One glowing Autumn day. 
The dainty little Snowdrops 
The Crocus and the Squill 
The Hyacinth and Tulip 
The chaliced Daffodil. 
The Lily pure, symbolic 
Of risen life again 
That mutely wait the Spring-tide, 
The call of sun and rain. 
To quicken and to blossom 
From bondage all set free, 
And make my close a paradise 
Of loveliness for me. 
—Florence Van Fleet Lyman. 
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