Flora's Lexicon/Asphodel

by Catharine Harbeson Waterman

SPHODEL. Tofieldia palustris. Class 6, Hexandria. Order: Tricynia. The yellow and white species of this elegant plant are old inhabitants of our gardens,, are of very easy culture, and increase rapidly. The latter species covers immense tracts of land in Apulia, and affords very good nourishment to the sheep. It was sacred to Proserpine, and anciently used in funeral ceremonies; and it was believed that beyond the Acheron, the shades of the departed walked in vast meadows of Asphodel, where they drank the waters of oblivion.

MY REGRETS FOLLOW YOU TO THE GRAVE.

Sometimes my vision pictures thee, as stooping from on high,
The light of love ineffable illumining thine eye;
Then soaring up, on snowy wings, that brighten as they rise,
I hear thy soft voice calling me to meet thee in the skies!

I know that this is but a dream; that I can never see
Thy spirit, until mine shall wear the garment of the free;
That ’tis my own imaginings that visit me by night,
But surely heaven the image clothes with something of its light!

Yes, mother! in thy holy home, death’s gloomy valley past,
A hope hath risen in my heart, that we shall meet at last;
There these faint glimmerings of day, from yonder sphere untrod,
Shall be exchanged for perfect light—the effluence of God!

The Knickerbocker.

Dull grave—thou spoil’st the dance of youthful blood,
Strik’st out the dimple from the cheek of mirth,
And ev’ry smirking feature from the face;
Branding our laughter with the name of madness.

Blair.