30 THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
ASSIGNATION. 
PIMPERNEL. 
The common Pimpernel is a beautiful trading weed and one 
of the Flora Horologica, opening its flowers regularly about 
eight minutes past seven o’clock, and closing them about three 
minutes past two o’clock. It serves also as an hydrometer; 
for if rain fall, or there be much moisture in the atmosphere, 
the flowers either do not open or close up again. It is fre¬ 
quently called the shepherd’s weather-glass. 
Our bonny Kate bound her golden hair, 
With a violet wreath for the village-fair, 
And tripped with the grace of a gay gazelle, 
Where blushes the delicate pimpernel; 
For a prophetess true is that lowly flower, 
She warns us ever of tempest hour, 
When the rain-cloud shadows her humble head, 
She folds her petals of brilliant red, 
And keeps her sunny heart warm within, 
Like a fair girl shutting out grief and sin. 
F. S. O. 
When the sun o’er yonder mountain, 
Smiles farewell to earth and sky, 
Meet me Marion, where our fountain 
Softly sings its lullaby!. 
