29 APRIL 1882, Page 14

POETRY.

ON "THE BEACONSFIELD BOUQUET."

FLOWERS, the Eastern poets taught,

Are the symbolic speech of thought.

Plain meanings pleased their healthy taste ; Roses were loving, lilies chaste.

To the dull fancy of the West, Ironic contrast gives a zest.

Napoleon's pride, how subtly set By his device, the violet !

Disraeli's laboured artifice

Needed no fairer foil than this,—

The primrose for a badge to take, And Tories wear it for his sake !

H. G. HEWLETT.