FLORA'S LEX [CO Y 107 



k TjgYDRANGER. Hydrangea Hortensis. Class 



ZzfjP 10, Decandria. Order: Diuy.ma. The 

 Chinese Guelder Rose is presented as an 

 emblem of a boaster, because its magnifi- 

 cent flowers are never succeeded by a fruit, 

 thus resembling the vaunting words of a 

 braggadocia which are not followed by suit- 

 able results. It is a native of China and Japan, where it is cul- 

 tivated in gardens. It was brought to England by Sir Joseph 

 Banks in 1790. 



BOASTER. 



The honour is overpaid, 



When he that did the act is commentator. 



Shirley. 



He that vaunts 

 Of a received favour, ought to be 

 Punish' d as sacrilegious persons are, 

 'Cause he doth violate that sacred thing, 

 Pure, spotless honour. 



Cartwright. 



I'll turn two mincing steps 



Into a manly stride : and speak of frays 



Like a fine bragging youth; and tell quaint lies 



How honourable ladies sought my love, 



Which I denying, they fell sick and died : 



I could not do with all: — then I will repent, 



And wish, for all that, that I had not kill'd them, 



And twenty of these puny lies I'll tell, 



That men shall swear I have discontinued school 



Above a twelvemonth. 



Sfiakspeare. 



We rise in glory, as we sink in pride ; 

 Where boasting ends, there dignity begins. 



Young. 



