44 
THE FLOWER VASE. 
DAHLIA. 
Dahlia. Class 19. — Order 2. 
This is a Mexican plant, mnch cultivated by modern 
horticulturists. The flowers are of all colors, and very 
showy; growing often to the height of six or eight feet 
Elegance and Dignity. 
It is worth much in this dull world of strife 
And foolish vanity, to meet a heart 
Serene and beautiful like thine! The praise 
And selfish flattery of the heartless crowd, 
Falls idly on thine ear, whilst thou, unmoved, 
And with a lofty purpose in thy breast, 
Retain’st thy elevation o’er the herd, 
No less by that calm majesty of soul 
Which shrinks from adulation, than by gifts 
Of lofty intellect, and outward grace. 
Thy form hath elegance that indicates 
The beautiful refinement of thy thoughts; 
And there is dignity in thy firm step, 
That speaks a soul superior to the thrall 
Of petty vanity and low-born pride. 
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