CAMELLIA JAPONICA. Queen of the Heart. 
Raven bands of hair 
Droop in graceful braiding; 
Eyes of beauty rare, 
Flash beneath their shading. 
Eyes •whose jet-like hue, 
Deep and rich and tender, 
Speak a spirit true, 
Softening all their splendor. 
Cheek whereon the rose, 
But when feeling wakes it, 
Breaks the pure repose, 
Ah! how lightly breaks it! 
Lips of crimson glow, 
From whose sweet enclosure 
Loving words and low 
Steal with rare composure. 
Stately in her pace, 
Yet so softly, wearing 
All a cygnet’s grace 
In her queenly bearing! 
But the heart within, 
All her looks informing, 
Kindling every blush, 
Every dimple warming! 
Making her a joy, 
And an hourly blessing, 
In each kind employ, 
In each fond caressing. 
Yielding true and calm, 
To each household duty! 
Goodness sheds a balm 
O’er her maiden beauty. 
F. S. 0. 
