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POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
’"Twere well to learn of you 
The skill to waken hope and pleasant thought ! 
And pour into the bosom nigh distraught, 
The freshness of the heart, like morning dew. 
‘fo lift the head, and suffer truth to play 
Upon the brow, like sunshine ever bright ; 
To cherish in the heart, though but a ray 
Of potent love, to warm the mental light. 
To rise from sloth, as ye from winter’s night, 
Rejoicing garden-land and forest dell ; 
With all the soul, with all the heart and might, 
Aiding the brotherhood in which we dwell. 
To learn of sweetest May, and kindly give 
Blessings with open hand to all that live! 
THE VIOLET. 
Sweet flower ! Spring’s earliest loveliest gem J 
While other flowers are idly sleeping, 
Thou rearest thy purple diadem ; 
Meekly from thy seclusion peeping, 
Thou, from thy little secret mound, 
Where diamond dew-drops shine above thee, 
Scatterest thy modest fragrance round; 
And well may Nature’s Poet love thee ! 



