126 THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
erty, seems only to prosper under restraint. When we wish to 
see them in their full brilliancy, it is necessary to incline the 
buds toward the earth, and keep them in that position by force. 
(j j i * 
But if for me thou dost forsake 
Some other maid, and rudely break 
Her worshipped image from its base, 
To give to me the ruined place; 
Then fare thee weil —I’d rather make 
My bower upon some icy lake, 
When thawing suns begin to shine, 
Than trust to love so false as thine! 
Mooke. 
INDISCRETION. 
ALMOND-TREE. 
Like to an almond-tree, mounted high 
On top of green Selinis, all alone, 
With blossoms brave bedecked daintily; 
Whose tender locks do tremble every one, 
At every little breath that under heaven is blown. 
Faery Queene. 
Emblem of indiscretion, the almond-tree is the first to answer 
to the call of spring. Nothing is more lovely and fresh in its 
appearance than this beautiful tree, when it appears covered 
with flowers. The later frosts not unfrequently destroy the too 
precocious germes of its fruits; hut it is remarkable that the 
beauty of its flowers, far from being injured, is increased in 
