FLORAL EMBLEMS. 89 



CHASTITY. 



Orange Flowers. — Citrus Aiirantium. 



" The punic granate op'd its rose-like flow'rs. 

 The orange breath 'd its aromatic pow'rs." 



Swift. 



These fragrant blossoms are made the em- 

 blem of chastity from the purity of their 

 white petals. One of the principal beauties 

 of the orange tree consists in its bearing fruit 

 and flowers at the same time, as is beautifully 

 noticed by Pope : 



" Here orange trees with blossoms and pendants shine. 

 And vernal honours to their autumn join ; 

 Exceed their promise in the ripen'd store. 

 Yet in the rising blossom promise more." 



Chastity is also represented by a branch of 

 the shrub called Chaste tree. Vitex, or Agnus 

 Castus, 



Diana, goddess of chastity. 



And, for because that she a maiden is. 



