142 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



FIDELITY. 



Wall Speedwell. — Veronica arvensis. 



This beautiful plant, that attaches itself to 

 old walls, 



" And decks his branch with blossoms over all ;" 



reflecting in its petals the azure of the heavens, 

 is made the symbol of fidelity. 



Its relative, the common speedwell, veronica 

 officinalis, which so happily covers our barren 

 grounds with its celestial bird's-eye flowers, 

 stands as the emblem of resemblance; the 

 Greek name of speedwell meaning true image. 



" Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair, 

 Thee, all things living gaze on." 



Milton. 



This plant is dedicated to St. Simeon of 

 Jerusalem. 



