The flowers of the datura languish beneath their sombre and 
drooping foliage while the sun shines; hut at the approach of 
night they put forth and are reanimated. Then they display 
their charms and unfold those immense bell-shaped petals, 
which Nature has formed of ivory and stained with purple, 
( and to which she has confided a perfume, that attracts and 
invigorates, but is so dangerous that it produces ebriety and 
hysterics, even in the open air, on those who respire it. 
Heed not her sigh! 
’Tis Falsehood’s breath: 
Trust not her eye! 
Belief is death. 
A serpent’s coil, 
Thy strength may burst: 
No power can foil 
Her snares accurst 
