230 THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
VARIETY. 
CHINA-ASTER. 
The China-aster is made the emblem of variety; and owes 
its principal charms to a careful culture of the skilful gardener, 
who has surrounded its golden disks with every colour of the 
rainbow. So study produces an endless variety in the refine¬ 
ment of the human mind. Though majestic and brilliant, the 
China-aster is not the imprudent rival of the rose, but succeeds 
it, and consoles us for its absence. 
The greatest wonder, Mary, 
Is this, that while, to me, 
Your charms each moment vary, 
Your heart should constant be. 
f. s. o. 
VIRGIN PRIDE. 
GENTIANA FRITILLARIA. 
This exquisitely-delicate flower, folding its soft blue petals so 
modestly together, seems a fitting emblem of a young and love¬ 
ly girl, bashful or too proud for display. 
Her arms were folded on her breast, 
In purity and pride, 
With modest sweetness, when addressed, 
Her low soft voice replied. 
f. s. o. 
