“Or,” suggested the Willow, “if people would but listen to my warning and not bind their hearts with chains. I am the emblem of freedom.”
CORNFLOWER
But the Rose and the Chrysanthemum came forward at these words and curtsied to Rusialka.
COWSLIP
“They do not speak wisely and truly, O dear White Ladies,” they said. “We both mean 'love,' and we know that smiles and joy attend us. Ask our sisters who best know.”
“I am early friendship,” said the Periwinkle, pensively, as she came and stood before Rusialka. “Even the very old on earth find comfort in me.”
Then Clematis appeared. She lifted her banner like a wreath round her head. “I mean poverty,” she said: “but even poverty is sweet with love, for love can make all things beautiful.”
But two flowers came forward sadly, and sighed as they curtsied to Rusialka. They were Carnation and Anemone.