How vainly men themselves amaze To win the palm, the oak, or bays; And their incessant labours see Crowned from some single herb or tree, Whose short and narrow-verged shade Does prudently their toils upbraid; While all the flowers and trees do close To weave the garlands of repose. Fair Quiet, have I found thee here, And Innocence, thy sister dear? Mistaken long, I sought you then In busy companies of men. Your sacred plants, if here below, Only among the plants will grow. Society is all but rude In this delicious solitude. Here at the fountain’s sliding foot, As at some fruit tree’s mossy root, Casting the body’s vest aside, My soul into the boughs does glide; There, like a bird, it sits and sings, Then whets, and claps its silver wings; And, till prepared for longer flight, Waves in its plumes the various light. How well the skilful _gard’ner_ drew Of flow’rs and herbs the dial new, Where from above the milder sun Does through a fragrant zodiac run: And, as it works, the industrious bee Computes the time, as well as we. How could such sweet and wholesome hours Be reckoned, but with herbs and flowers. _Andrew Marvell._ In a _garden_--man was placed, Meet abode for innocence, With his Maker’s image graced: --Sin crept in and drove him thence, Through the world, a wretch undone, Seeking rest and finding none. In a _garden_--on that night When our Saviour was betrayed, With what world-redeeming might, In his agony he prayed! Till he drank the vengeance up, And with mercy filled the cup. In a _garden_--on the cross, When the spear His heart had riven, And for earth’s primeval loss Heaven’s best ransom had been given, Jesus rested from His woes, Jesus from the dead arose. Emblem of the church above! Where, as in their native clime, ’Midst the _garden_ of His love, Rescued from the rage of time, Saints, as trees of life shall stand, Planted by His own right hand. _J. Montgomery._ GENTLENESS. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy _gentleness_ hath made me great.--II. Samuel, xxii. 36. Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and _gentleness_ of Christ.--II. Corinthians, x. 1. But we were _gentle_ among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.--I. Thessalonians, ii. 7. The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be _gentle_ unto all men, apt to teach, patient.--II. Timothy, ii. 24.