FLOWER-PAINTINGS. 205 
The leaf and tendril of the vine; 
The iris and the columbine ; 
The streaky tulip, gold and jet ; 
The amaranth and violet; 
There is the bright jonquil; the trail 
Of bind-weed, chalice-like and pale ; 
The crumpled poppy, brave and bold ; 
The pea; the pink; the marigold. 
There are they grouped, in form and hue, | 
Flower, bud, and leaf to nature true! | 
Yes, although slighted and forlorn, 
And oft the mark of modern scorn, 
I love such pictures, and mine eye 
With cold regard ne’er passed them by. 
I love them most, that they present 
Ever some goodly sentiment ; 
The virgin-mother, young and mild ; 
The cradle of the holy child ; 
Or, ’mid a visioned glory faint, 
The meek brow of some martyred saint ; 
And with their painters I can find 
A kindred sympathy of mind. 
fh 
