FLORA'S LEXICON. 105 



OUSELEEK. Scmpervivum Tectorum. 

 Class 11, Dodecandria. Order : Dodeca- 

 gynia. The Houseleek is made the emblem 

 of vivacity, because it retains its vivacious 

 nature even on the hot tiles of cottage roofs. 

 In such situations it generally bespeaks the 

 residence of some good old dame well 

 skilled in simples, and reposing implicit faith in their efficacy. 



VIVACITY. 



The sprightly Sylvia trips along the green; 

 She runs, but hopes she does not run unseen. 



Pope. 



Tower'd cities please us then, 



And the busy haunts of men, 



Where throngs of knights and barons bold, 



In weeds of peace, high triumphs hold ; 



With store of ladies, whose bright eyes 



Rain influence, and judge the prize 



Of wit or arms, while both contend 



To win her grace whom all commend. 



There let Hymen oft appear 



In saffron robe with taper clear, 



And pomp and feast and revelry, 



With mask and antique pageantry ; 



Such sights as youthful poets dream 



On summer eves by haunted stream, 



Then to the well-trod stage anon, 



If Jonson's learned sock be on, 



Or sweetest Shakspeare, Fancy's child, 



Warble his native wood-notes wild. 



Milton. 



