SONG OF THE FLOWERS.

A child was in the garden gay,
Alone amid the flowers, at play.

He loved the flowers; to him they grew
Like friends and lovers, for but few
Companions had this little child,
And they his lonely hours beguiled.
At last in weariness he laid
Himself to sleep in the cool shade,
And brightest dreams came floating o'er
The sleeping child; each darling flower
Poured forth such music sweet and clear,
He listened with a charmed ear.

Earth is a pleasant home for us,
And God has placed us here,
In beauty and in loveliness,
Our gentle boy to cheer.

We live beneath this sunny sky,
To bless him ere we fade and die.

Let us unfold to him sweet thoughts,
To him bright lessons give,
That he may follow wisdom's light,
And learn the way to live;

And so fulfil his destiny,

Before like us he fade and die.

The queen-like Rose shall teach him love;

For unto all she sends

Her beauty, color, fragrance, forth

Alike to foes and friends;

And thus his kindly deeds must bless

All in his path with happiness.

Of time, so quickly passing, speaks
The frail Anemone ;

The everlasting Amaranth,
Tells of eternity.

The two so linked but by a breath,
Thus teaching him of life in death.

The Lily's leaves of spotless white,
Of purity shall sing ;
And the blue lowly Violet

Is like an angel's wing,
Lifting the humble soul above,
To regions fair of light and love.

And Mignionette, the darling flower,
Pours forth its fragrant breath,
Even as it droops and fades away,
Like unto love in death.

And thus may his affections rest,
Ever with those who love him best.

We are a book of many leaves,
That tells of sacred things;
And every little plant that grows,
Its secret lesson brings.

All those who seekto learn of us,

We humbly teach, and teaching, bless. *

Who is arrayed so glorious?
And who hath us arrayed?
He, who created this fair child,
The simple lily made.

We are his brothers, sisters, friends,

For o'er us the same Father bends.