216 FLORA'S LEXICON 



IOLET. Viola. Class 5, Pentandria. Or- 

 der: Monogyma. Ion, the Greek name of 

 this flower, is traced by some etymologists 

 to la, the daughter of Midas, who was be- 

 trothed to Atys, and changed by Diana into 

 a violet, to hide her from Apollo. The beau- 

 tiful modest flower still retains the bashful 

 timidity of the nymph, partially concealing itself amidst foliage 

 from the garish gaze of the sun. Hence it has been ingeniously 

 given as a device to an amiable and witty lady of a timid and 

 reserved disposition, surrounded with the motto — II faut me 

 chercher — I must be sought after. 



MODESTY. 



Sweet violets, Love's paradise, that spread 

 Your gracious odours, which you couched bear 



Within your paly faces, 

 Upon the gentle wing of some calm-breathing wind 



That plays amidst the plain; 



If, by the favour of propitious stars, you gain 

 Such grace as in my lady's bosom place to find, 



Be proud to touch those places. - Scott. 



I know thou art oft 



Pass'd carelessly by, 

 And the hue so soft 



Of thine azure eye 

 Gleams unseen, unsought, in its leafy bower, 

 While the heartless prefer some statelier flower 

 That they eagerly cull, and, when faded, fling 

 Away with rude hand, as a worthless thing. 

 Not such is thy fate : not thy beauty's gift 

 Alone bids thee from thy bower be reft ; 

 Not thy half-closing, dewy, and deep blue eye; 

 But the charm that doth not with beauty die. 

 'Tis thy mild, soil fragrance makes thee so dear, 

 Thou loveliest gem of the floral year ! Twamley. 



