62 FLORA'S LEXICON 



OLUMBINE. Aquilegia. Class 13, Poly- 

 andria. Order : Monogynia. This grace- 

 ful flower has long been a favourite inhabit- 

 ant of the rustic flower border, and is com- 

 monly found in the open places of forests, or 

 extensive woods. It has been made the em- 

 blem of folly ;— why, it is difficult to say. 



FOLLY. 



Bring Lilies for a maiden's grave, 



Roses to deck the bride, 

 Tulips for all who love thro' life 



In brave attire to ride : 

 Bring each for each, in bower and hall, 

 But cull the Columbine for all. 



"The Columbine'? full many a flower 

 Hath hues more clear and bright, 



Although she doth in purple go, 

 In crimson, pink, and white. 



Why, when so many fairer shine, 



Why choose the homely Columbine !" 



" Know ye the cap which Folly wears 



In ancient masques and plays ] 

 Does not the Columbine recal 



That toy of olden days? 

 And is not Folly reigning now 

 O'er many a wisdom- written brow 1 ? 



"'Tis Folly's flower, that homely one; 



That universal guest 

 Makes every garden but a type 



Of every human breast ; 

 For though ye tend both mind and bower, 

 There's still a nook for Folly's flower." 



TWAMLBT. 



