PANSY in the garden-bed To a Johnnie-jump-up said: "Surely you are not connected With the Pansy family tree? You are much too small and sickly, And your blossom fades too quickly— Yet I heard some children saying That they thought you @3looked like me!"@1 Johnnie-jump-up merely smiled: "You are tame and I am wild, But that there's a close resemblance Any little child can see. You are in the garden growing, I, outside, still there's no knowing But that you and I are cousins— Nearer relatives, maybe!" Said the listening Hollyhock: "How you silly flowers talk! I'm amazed such haughty spirit In such humble things to see! If you both were tall and graceful, If you wore a dress as tasteful As the one I wear, 'twere easy To excuse your vanity!" White Rose nodded to Rose Red, "Did you notice that?" she said. "Strange indeed, that homely flowers Always boast how well they're dressed! Did you hear the Wind say lately @3'Stiff@1 things always think they're @3stately@1 But for perfect grace and beauty Give me—' you can guess the rest!" "Doubtless he referred to me," Said Carnation Pink; "you see Some are born to grace and beauty— 'Tis admitted by the wise— And Carnation Pinks inherit Beauty, with the grace to wear it— Not that I would boast about it, Only—well, just use your eyes!" Larkspur timidly peeped out: "What is all the strife about? Every flower has some beauty— Don't you think so? Why, then, fall To debating with each other? Some like one and some another— One, I know (his taste is famous) Likes the Larkspur best of all!" |