THE 
are 
it- 
»t 
SENTIMENT OF FLOWERS. 
ABSENCE. 
WORMWOOD. 
Wormwood is considered the bitterest of 
plants. Its scientific name, Absinthium, is 
derived from the Greek, and signifies—with¬ 
out sweetness. It is, therefore, ijery appro¬ 
priately made the emblem of absence ; which, 
according to La Fontaine, is the greatest of 
evils. 
To be separated from those to whom we 
are devotedly attached, is assuredly one of the 
severest trials of life ; and if that separation 
be involuntary, or only in obedience to those 
who have the guardianship of our early years, 
the wretchedness of absence is enhanced 
three-fold. There is all the anxiety for the 
health and comfort of the absent, without 
any opportunity of offering consolation ; for 
though “ the heart alone knows its own bit¬ 
terness,” we feel that the sympathy of a friend 
can often alleviate the deepest distress. 
D 
