I see her now within my view,-- A spirit, yet a woman too!-- Her household motions light and free, And steps of virgin liberty; A countenance in which do meet Sweet records, promises as sweet; A creature not too bright or good For human nature’s daily food. _Wordsworth._ * * * * * Time has small power O’er features the mind moulds. Roses where They once have bloomed a fragrance leave behind; And harmony will linger on the wind; And suns continue to light up the air, [Illustration: MIGNIONETTE, PINK, PINK BUD. _Your qualities surpassing your charms, have drawn from me a confession of pure love._] When set; and music from the broken shrine Breathes, it is said, around whose altar-stone His flower the votary has ceased to twine:--Types of the beauty that, when youth is gone, Breathes from the soul whose brightness mocks decline. _George Hill._ * * * * * Rudely thou wrongest my deare heart’s desire, In finding fault with her too portly pride; The thing which I do most in her admire, Is of the world unworthy most envied. For in those lofty looks is close implied Scorn of base things,--disdain of foul dishonour, Threatening rash eyes which gaze on her so wide That loosely they ne dare to look upon her! _Spenser._ JASMINE.... _Amiability_. The Jasmine is a happy emblem of an amiable disposition. In all situations, it suffers the gardener to train its slender branches into any form he chooses: most commonly forming a living tapestry for arbours and garden walls, and everywhere throwing out a profusion of delicate and charming flowers, which perfume the air. The poets have showered their praise upon this plant, and all unite in considering it the emblem of the winsome quality of amiability. After paying a glowing tribute to the beauty and sweetness of the Violet, Thomas Miller, the “basket-maker” poet, thus speaks of the Jasmine:--