PASSION-FLOWER. Love much and be forgiven 
Young Beauty sailed a summer sea 
Within a buoyant bark reclining; 
Its prow was painted daintily, 
With gems and roses rarely shining: 
And light and gay the maiden smiled, 
The while she wove a garland glowing! 
And at the helm a laughing child— 
’Twas Pleasure—watched the waters flowing. 
She steered the boat by blooming isles, 
Where languid gales breathed softly o’er it, 
And in the bay, with treacherous smiles, 
’Mid poison-flowers, she strove to moor it: 
But Beauty’s cheek grew sad and pale; 
And Beauty’s heart was tired of leisure; 
She whispered Love to “set the sail,” 
And Passion took the helm from Pleasure. 
Then dashed around that graceful prow 
The rising waves in pride and power; 
And Beauty bent her glorious brow, 
While tears fell on each fading flower. 
Sublimely wild and grand, above 
Her fragile bark, the storm cloud lightened 
With such a vivid flame, that Love 
Let go the sail—ashamed and frightened! 
The maiden rose, and by her side 
A radiant angel stood serenely! 
“Take thou the helm!” she proudly cried— 
And paced the deck erect and queenly. 
Then changed to gold those clouds so wild; 
A beauteous rainbow bloomed in heaven! 
And Love, the fond, impetuous child, 
Smiled through his tears—his fault forgiven! 
F. S. 0. 
