FLORAL EMBLEMS. 85 



lumny, since it leaves so permanent a stain on 

 the purest cloth. 



L'Estrange says, " He that would live clear 

 of the envy and hatred of potent calumniators, 

 must lay his finger upon his mouth, and keep 

 his hand out of the ink-pot." 



CANDOUR AND INNOCENCE. 



Sweet White Violet. — Viola odorata. 



" The daughters of the flood have search 'd the mead 



For violets pale." 



Virgil. 



This flower, that delights us so much by its 

 innocent perfume and spotless purity, is also 

 made to represent a third virtue. A sonnet of 

 the sixteenth century says, 



" Violet is for faithfulnesse. 

 Which in me shall abide ; 

 Hoping hkewise that from your heart 

 You will not let it slide." 



" The bond that knits together and sup- 

 ports all compacts, is truth and faithful- 

 ness." — Ijoivth. 



