104 FLORA'S LEXICON 



ORSE CHESTNUT. jEsculus Hippocasta- 

 J0 num. Class 7, Heptandria. Order : Mo- 

 nogynia. In the beginning of spring, one 

 rainy day is sufficient to cause this beautiful 

 tree to cover itself with verdure. If it be 

 planted alone, nothing surpasses the ele- 

 gance of its pyramidal form, the beauty of 

 its foliage, or the richness of its flowers, which sometimes make 

 it appear as an immense lustre or chandelier, all covered with 

 pearls. Fond of ostentation and richness, it covers with flowers 

 the grass which it overshadows, and yields to the idler a most 

 delightful shade. To the poor man it is of little service, sup- 

 plying him with nothing more than a light and porous timber, 

 and a bitter fruit. Naturalists and physicians have attributed to 

 this child of Asia a thousand good qualities which it does not 



LUXURY. 



It is a shame, that man, that has the seeds 



Of virtue in him, springing unto glory, 



Should make his soul degenerous with sin, 



And slave to luxury; to drown his spirits - 



In lees of sloth ; to yield up the weak day 



To wine, to lust, and banquets. 



Marmyon. 



War destroys men, but luxury mankind 

 At once corrupts; the body and the mind. 



Crown. 



Fell luxury! more perilous to youth 

 Than storms or quicksands, poverty or chains. 



More. 



Sofas 'twas half a sin to sit upon, 

 So costly were they; carpets, every stitch 

 Of workmanship so rare, they made you wish 

 You could glide o'er them like a golden fish. 



B\RON. 



