THE FLORAL OFFERING. 
Then the shower kissed the sunshine, and in beautiful embrace 
They lighted where the lily-bell looked down in virgin grace; 
And lo! beneath that pure caress, as softly they descended, 
A vision hung ’twixt heaven and earth—a rainbow pure and splendid,— 
As if the rose and violet, the tulip and blue-bell, 
Had lent their loveliest hues to air, where bright the vision fell. 
Oh! thou who mournest hopes decayed, like blossoms in their bloom, 
Scorn not the Heavenly Comforter, that comes to cheer thy gloom. 
Let earthly Sorrow blend her tears with pure Religion’s smile; 
So shall a glorious rainbow dawn upon thy path the while. 
Faith’s soft, celestial blue shall smile by Hope’s unfading rose, 
While peace, in sunny, golden light, beside them shall repose. 
They shall wreath thy way with beauty, and when earthly ties are riven, 
Thy soul shall make that brilliant bridge its pathway into Heaven. 
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