Part 15

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Fain would I speak the thoughts I bear to thee, But they do choke and flutter in my throat, And make me like a child.

Joanna Baillie.

CYPRESS.... Mourning.

The ancients consecrated the Cypress to the Fates, the Furies and Pluto. They placed it near tombs. The people of the East retain the same custom in the decoration of their cemeteries. The Turks plant the Cypress at the head and at the foot of the graves. According to Ovid, the Cypress derived its name from Cyparissos, an especial friend of Apollo’s, who, in grief at having inadvertently killed a favourite stag of his, prayed the gods that his mourning might be made perpetual, and was changed into a Cypress tree, the branches of which were thenceforward used at funerals.

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Lady dear! this history Is thy fated lot, Ever such thy watching For what cometh not, Till with anxious waiting dull, Round thee fades the beautiful; Still thou seekest on, though weary, Seeking still in vain.

Miss Landon.

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Thou art lost to me for ever,--I have lost thee, Isadore, Thy head will never rest upon my loyal bosom more. Thy tender eyes will never more gaze fondly into mine, Nor thine arms around me lovingly and trustingly entwine. Thou art dead and gone, loving wife,--thy heart is still and cold,-- And I at one stride have become most comfortless and old; Of our whole world of love and song, thou wast the only light, A star, whose setting left behind, ah! me, how dark a night! Thou art lost to me, for ever, Isadore.

Albert Pike.

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The Cypress is the emblem of mourning.

Shakspeare.

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Alas, for earthly joy, and hope, and love, Thus stricken down, e’en in their holiest hour! What deep, heart-wringing anguish must they prove, Who live to weep the blasted tree or flower! Oh, wo, deep wo to earthly love’s fond trust, When all it once has worshipped lies in dust!

Mrs. Embury.

WALL-FLOWER.... Fidelity in Adversity.

This flower derives its name from the circumstance of its growing upon old walls, the casements and battlements of ancient castles, and among the ruins of abbeys. The troubadors were accustomed to wearing a bouquet of Wall-flowers, as the emblem of an affection which is proof against time and the frowns of fortune.

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Adah.--Alas! thou sinnest now, my Cain; thy words Sound impious in mine ears.

Cain.--Then leave me!

Adah.--Never, Though thy God left thee!

Byron.

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An emblem true thou art Of love’s enduring lustre given To cheer a lonely heart.

Barton.

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