110 LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 

That Spirit to whose charge is given 
To bathe young buds in dews from heaven. 
Awaking from his light repose, 
The Angel whisper’d to the Rose. 
‘© O fondest object of my care, 
Still fairest found where all are fair, 
For the sweet shade thou’st given to me, 
Ask what thou wilt, ’tis granted thee.” 








Then said the Rose, with deepening glow, 
«© On me another grace bestow.”’ — 
The Spirit paused in silent thought— see 
What grace was there that flower had not? | 
Twas but a moment—o’er the Rose 
A veil of moss the Angel throws ; 
And, robed in Nature’s simplest weed, 
Could there a flower that Rose exceed ! 

Pfeffel, a German poet, has pleasingly ac- Sue 
counted for the origin of the Yellow Rose, the ot Mt 
emblem of envy, in the following manner : 


Once a White Rose-bud reared her head, vital th 
And peevishly to Flora said, a 
‘* Look at my sister’s blushing hue— 
Pray, mother, let me have it too.” 
“* Nay, child,’? was Flora’s mild reply, 
‘* Be thankful for such gifts as I 
Have deem’d befitting to dispense— That they 
Thy dower the hue of innocence.” I 









