326 FLORA HISTORICA. 



by the gaiety they give to the pleasure-grounds, 

 and thus detain Flora in the open garden, until 



The radiant ruler of the year 



At length his wint'ry goal attains, 

 Soon to reverse the long career, 



And northward bend his steady reins. 



The Floral Queen then holds her court under the 

 crystal temples that her numerous votaries have 

 erected for her security against the attacks of 

 Boreas. 



'Tis a bower of Arcadian sweets, 



Where Flora is still in her prime, 

 A fortress to which she retreats, 



From the cruel assaults of the clime. 



AVhile earth wears a mantle of snow. 

 There Pinks are as fresh and as gay 



As the fairest and sweetest that blow 

 On the beautiful bosom of May. 



The beauties of autumn formerly consisted of 

 the change which then takes place in the tints of 

 the foliage of trees and plants. Akenside says- 

 Autumn tinges ev'ry fertile branch 

 With blooming gold and blushes like the mom. 



To these beauties is added the glowing colours 

 of ripened fruits, which have called forth the lively 

 effusions of the poets of all ages. Horace observes, 

 in the Fifth Ode of his Second Book, 



Aiitumn soon, of various dyes. 



Shall with kinder warmth arise, 



Bid the livid clusters glow, , 



And a riper purple show. 



