THE COUNTRY. 153

 Perhaps this is association, but it is curious
what moral qualities attach themselves to cer-
tain flowers, apart from that. Conceit in an
aster is as aggressive as it is in a man under
twenty; the sweet pea is at heart a wanton;
the fragrant bosom of a gorgeous rose holds
always a possible cruelty; one distrusts the
selfishness of the morning-glory; .and as for
the peony--but criticism on her boldness is
superficial, no one can really doubt her good
heart.
 A sturdy maid,
 Plump hands upon her hips;
 White throat flung back,
 And laughing, scarlet lips;
 Full bodice laced,
 And kerchief well tucked in;
 Smile for each lad,
 (A kiss, perhaps, no sin !)
 Plain speech, or rough,
 No empty flattery,
 But wholesome, heart, -
 That is our peony!


 Here and there the green light--which is
sunshine strained through a net of leaves -