74 FLORA'S LEXICON. 



AISY. Bellis. Class 19, Syngenesia. Or- 

 der: POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Fabulous 



history informs us that the Daisy owed its 

 origin to Belides, one of the nymphs called 

 Dryads, who were supposed to preside over 

 meadows and pastures. While dancing on 

 the turf with Ephigeus, whose suit she en- 

 couraged, she attracted the admiration of Vertumnus, the deity 

 who presided over orchards ; and to escape from him, she was 

 transformed into the humble flower, the Latin name of which is 

 Bellis. The ancient English name of this flower was Day's 

 Eye, in which way it is written by Ben Jonson ; and Chaucer 

 calls it the " ee of the daie." No doubt it received this designa- 

 tion from its habit of closing its petals at night, which it also 

 does in rainy weather. 



INNOCENCE. 



When, smitten by the morning ray, 

 I see thee rise, alert and gay, 

 Then, cheerful flower ! my spirits play 

 With kindred gladness: 



And when, at dark, by dews opprest, 

 Thou sink'st, the image of thy rest 

 Hath often eased my pensive breast 

 Of careful sadness. 



Wordsworth. 



Heav'n may awhile correct the virtuous, 

 Yet it will wipe their eyes again, and make 

 Their faces whiter with their tears. Innocence 

 ConcealM is the stol'n pleasure of the gods, 

 Which never ends in shame, as that of men 

 Doth oftentimes do; but like the sun breaks forth, 

 When it hath gratified another world; 

 And to our unexpecting eyes appears 

 More glorious thro' its late obscurity. 



Fountain. 



