FLORAL EMBLEMS. 139 



FATE. 



Flax (in a green state, with the flower). — Linum, 



*' Courage uncertain dangers may abate; 



But, who can bear the approach of certain fate ?" 



Dry den. 



" Random chance, or wilful fate. 



Guides the shaft from Cupid's bow." 



A. Philips. 

 » 

 We learn from Pierius Valerianus, that flax 



was the hieroglyphic of fate among- the Egyp- 

 tians ; and we may presume, that the emblem 

 originated from its use in the bow. 



" The whizzing arrow sings. 



And bears thy fate, Antinous, on its wings." 



Pope. 



Peacham says, '' Fate is drawn like a man 

 in a long flaxen robe, looking upward to cer- 

 tain bright stars compressed about with thick 

 clouds, from whence hangs a chain of gold, 

 which signifies the conjunction of divine with 



