Wall-Flower.... Fidelity in Adversity.
Reading edition
This flower derives its name from the circumstance of its growing upon old walls, the casements and battlements of ancient castles, and among the ruins of abbeys. The troubadors were accustomed to wearing a bouquet of Wall-flowers, as the emblem of an affection which is proof against time and the frowns of fortune.
Adah.—Alas! thou sinnest now, my Cain; thy words Sound impious in mine ears. Cain.—Then leave me! Adah.—Never, Though thy God left thee! Byron.
An emblem true thou art Of love’s enduring lustre given To cheer a lonely heart. Barton.
Flower of the solitary place! Gray Ruin’s golden crown, That lendest melancholy grace To haunts of old renown; Thou mantlest o’er the battlements By strife or storm decayed; And fillest up each envious rent Time’s canker-tooth hath made. Moir.
Though human, thou didst not deceive me; Though woman, thou didst not forsake; Though loved, thou forborest to grieve me; Though slandered, thou never couldst shake; Though trusted, thou didst not disclaim me; Though parted, it was not to fly; Though watchful, ’twas not to defame me; Nor, mute, that the world might belie. Byron.
Yes, love! my breast, at sorrow’s call, Shall tremble like thine own; If from those eyes the tear-drops fall, They shall not fall alone. Our souls, like heaven’s aerial bow, Blend every light within their glow, Of joy or sorrow known; And grief, divided with thy heart, Were sweeter far than joy apart. Anon.