The Mission of The Flowers

THE MISSION OF THE FLOWERS.

God made a tiny flow'ret,
As pure and white as snow,
And said, "This modest lily
Must in the valley grow,
And send forth sweetest fragrance
With meekly drooping head,
And teach the world humility
From out its lowly bed."

And then He made a red rose,
With lovely, blushing face,
And said, "To you, my fair one,
I'll give a higher place;
But you must teach a lesson
Upon your little mound,
By breathing love and perfume
Upon the world around."

And thus they grew in beauty
Not many rods apart,
While each fulfilled its mission
With glad and willing heart;

And when the frost of Autumn came,
And chilled their hearts with fear,
God laid them gently down to rest
Upon a snow-white bier.