SCARLET GERANIUM. 
213 
There are its rosy petals shown, 
’Midst curious forms and mosses rare, 
Imbedded in the dark gray stone. 
When not another flower is there. 
Oh! emblem of that steadfast mind, 
Which, through the varying scenes of life, 
By genuine piety refined, 
Holds on its way ’midst noise and strife. 
Though dark the impending tempest lour, 
The path of duty it espies, 
Calm ’midst the whirlwind and the shower, 
Thankful when brighter hours arise. 
Oh ! could our darkened minds discern 
In thy sweet form this lesson plain. 
Could we it practically learn. 
Herb Robert would not bloom in vain. 
At Rome, the leaf of the Geranium is employed 
in a favourite game or amusement, which is called 
Far il Verde. The time chosen for it is the begin- ^ 
ning of spring, when the trees and the fields put on 
their new liveries. A gentleman and lady then 
agree upon a Verde, and determine the duration of 
the game and the forfeits to be paid. Both parties 
have now to take care that they are constantly pro- 
