Smyrna times., 1855-05-09
5tlatttr,
The Favorite Flowers.

Gustavus, Hermann, and Annie, walked cut
into the field on a fIae spring day. The lark
and thousand other birds were singing, and
the flowers untolded themselves in the dew and
in the mild beams of the morning sun. The
three looked round, full of gladness, and sprang
from one small hill to another. and weaved
crowns of flowers. They also celebrated in
song, the beauty of the spring, and the love of
the heavenly Father, who clothes the earth
wlsh grass and flowers; and they sang of flow
er4 from the rose which grows on the bush, to
the little violet whicn blooms in retirement
So the sprlng of life and the spring of the year
appeared in a lovely union, Then said they
one to another, a." Let US each select the little
flower, which each loves most" This propo-
stlon delighted them, and they sprang into the
Held to select the favorte flower, promising to
meet again in the arbor. So the three went
tn II different ways in concord, to collect the
be utItul. A lovely flower gathering! Soon
all three appeared again on their way to the
arbor. Each one bore in the hand a full bunch
OF the selected iavorte flowers When they
came in sight of each other, they held up the
flower above their hands and shouted aloud for
joy. When they had reached the bower, they
agreed that each one should tell the reason of
their choice. Gustav IS the elder, had chosen
sends fourth its fragrance in modest stiffness,
amidst moss and grass, and its work is conceal
ed, like the soft approach and blessing offspring.
Men honor and love it, and it is praised in
beautiful songs; and every one brings bunch,
when he returns from the field, and he calls
the lovely violet the first born of spring and
the'tiower OF modesty; therefore have select
ed 1t as my flower" So saying he gave Her
mann and Annie some of his flow RS who re-
ceived them with inward satisfacti for these
beautiful flowers were also bror,,ers gift
Now Hermann came forth with his bunch. 1t
was the delicate lily, which grows under the
cool shade OF the grove, and lifts up its bloom
ing bells like strings of pearls, white as the
light of day. 4" / have selected this as it is the
emblem OF innocence and of "a pure heart, and
it spreaks to Inc OF Him who adorns the heavens
with stars and the earth with flowers. Was
not the lily of the field honored above all other
flowers. in giving testimony of the love of our
heavenly Father IN whom all things live and
move % This is the reason why the lily is my
favorite flower!' Thus spake Harmann, and
offered his flowers to Gustavus and Annie, who
received them with Joy and respect. And thus
was the little flower consecrated. Then came
Annie, the kindly, lovely maiden, with her
gathered flowers. 1t was the blue, tender for
Bel-Hle-HOl. " HeSe mowers, SdlQ the anna
ble creature, " | found near the brook They
glitter like the bright stars in heaven, and sport
in the clear water on whose border they grow,
and the little stream flows along more beauti-
fully, as if weaving wreath. Therefore it is
the flower of love and tenderness; and have
selected it as my fvorite, and | transfer it to
you, my dear brothers!" Thus saying, she
gave to each kiss, which they returned very
affectionately. Then their guardian angel
smiled upon the amiable bond OF innocence
When they had thus selected their tavorite
| flowers, Annie sand, Let US weave them into
two eaths, and carry them to our parents. !"
1 So the formed two beautiful crowns oil flowers,
and took them to their parents and told them
the whole matter, how they come to choose
these flowers. The parents rejoiced at the lit
I tie tale thus related, and said "a lovely crown!
love, innocence and modesty combined see
how one flower exalts and adorns another, and
I in their union they form the most beautiful
crown Of flowers!' But one thing is still want
ing" answered the whole three, and with live
4 ly gratitude placed the crowns on the heads o
their father and mother. The parents were
deeply affected with joy. They embraced the
gentle ones cordially, and said "Such
crown is more glorious than the crown Of prin
i ces. Lilies and ViUletS. ...s.