106 CHILDREN AND FLOWERS. 
melancholy picture of human life ; “ ’tis true, 
’tis pity, pity ’tis, ’tis true,” in the generality 
of cases, and where there is one, whose heart- is 
unscathed by the burning finger of affliction, 
there are thousands who might exclaim, with 
Lady Randolph :— 
“ Have you not sometimes seen an early flower 
Open its bud, and spread its silken leaves, 
To catch sweet airs, and odours to bestow ; 
T*hen by a keen blast nipt, pull in its leaves. 
And though still living, die to scent and beauty ? 
Emblem of me ; Affliction, like a storm. 
Hath killed the forward blossoms of the heart.” 
Home’s Douglas. 
Let it not be supposed by this, that we are 
unaware of the truth of the scripture proverb, 
which saith, “ whom the Lord loveth he 
chasteneth,” or that we would advocate the 
indulgence of a morbid Jfeeling of regret for 
past-away pleasures. We humbly acknow¬ 
ledge the Avisdom and justice of the Supreme 
Disposer of events, and firmly believe that 
adversity,— 
“ Though like the toad, ugly and venomous. 
Bears yet a precious jewel in his head.”— Shakspeare. 
