204 FLORA'S LEXICON. 



HISTLE. Carduus. Class 19, Syngene- 

 sia. Order : Polygamia ^Equalis. This 

 prickly, though somewhat graceful weed, 

 has given its title to a Scotch order of 

 knighthood. It might be said the Scotch 

 order, par eminence ; as it also bears the 

 'vJuL^ name of St. Andrew, the patron saint of 

 that nation. The collar is of gold, interlaced with flowers of the 

 thistle, and bears the following motto : " Nemo me impune laces- 

 sit.'''' None shall annoy me with impunity. 



AUSTERITY. 

 As Cupid was flying about one day, 

 With the flowers and zephyrs in wanton play, 



He 'spied in the air, 



Floating here and there, 

 A winged seed of the thistle-flower, 

 And merrily chased it from bower to bower. 

 And young Love cried to his playmates, " See, 

 I've found the true emblem- flower for me, 



For I am as light 



In my wavering flight 

 As this feathery star of soft thistle-down, 

 Which by each of you zephyrs about is blown. 



See, how from a Rose's soft warm blush 

 It flies, to be caught in a bramble bush; — 



And as oft do I, 



In my wand'rings, hie 

 From beauty to those who have none, I trow; 

 Reckless as thistle-down, on I go." 



So the sly little god still flits away 



'Mid earth's loveliest flow'rets, day by day ; 



And oh! maidens fair, 



Never weep, nor care 

 When his light wings waft him beyond your power, 

 Think — 'tis only the down of the thistle-flower. 



Twamley. 



