by the author of "Proverbial Philosophy" [Martin Farquhar Tupper].
Originally published in Ainsworth's Magazine: A Miscellany of Romance (Chapman and Hall) vol.1 #2 (Mar 1842).
Fragrant and fresh, the tropical warm air
Lures into life my "bright consummate" flowers
That, newly bathed in artificial showers,
Shew to the sun their thousand beauties rare:
Here, in high pomp, the gorgeous Cactus flings
Its eastern tassel down the prickly stem,
And Fuscias spread their tiny scarlet wings,
Like hovering humming-birds in emerald bowers:
There, the tall Amaryll's pink diadem
Above that lowlier Hyacinth queenly towers,
While fair Camelias, mingling in the throng
With blushing Roses and Geraniums bright,
Pour forth an eloquent flood of silent song,
And wrap the heart in "dances and delight."